In western Missouri, the Katy begins in Clinton. From there the crushed-limestone trail meanders through peaceful farmland and small-town Americana. Visitors will fi nd 26 trailheads and traverse more than 30 trestle bridges along the trail's many miles, which are measured by the original railroad mile marker system. The trail is mostly fl at, with its summit of 955 feet a few miles west of Green Ridge. The fully restored Sedalia Katy Depot was built in 1896 to serve the MKT Railroad. Today you can learn all about railroad history and the story behind the beginning of the Katy Trail. It is also a great place to snag a Katy Trail souvenir. While in Sedalia, you can enjoy tunes during the Scott Joplin Ragtime Festival, gaze at inspiring paintings at the Daum Museum of Contemporary Art or tour the majestic Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site. SEDALIA You can extend your bike ride via the 47.5 completed miles of the Rock Island Trail State Park, which WINDSOR connects Windsor and Pleasant Hill. The Rock Island spans a section of the former Chicago, Rock Island and Pacifi c Railroad. CALHOUN CLINTON CLINTON 16 RURAL MISSOURI | SEPTEMBER 2024