The largest rails-to-trails conversion in America, the 240-mile Katy Trail spans Missouri’s midsection from Clinton in the west to Machens in the east, along the former track of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (a.k.a. the Katy). The mostly flat path is open to hikers and cyclists — and in some sections, horseback riders — and traverses historic railroad bridges, tunnels, forests, valleys, and open fields. In spots, it skirts the edge of the Missouri River. Some hardy souls tackle the whole trail (a roughly five-day undertaking for an experienced cyclist), but those who prefer a more leisurely trek should consider a day-trip between Rocheport and Boonville, two early 19th century towns (the latter established by Daniel Boone’s offspring) separated by 12 miles of nature preserves, vineyards, and river views.
