The Katy Trail is a 225
mile path stretching across most of the state of Missouri.
Over half of it follows Lewis and Clark's path up the Missouri
River, where you can ride beneath towering river bluffs while
eagles circle overhead. After leaving the river, the trail
meanders through peaceful farmland and small-town Americana.
America's longest "rails-to-trail" project, formerly
the MKT rail line, is flat and scenic. It's ideal for
hiking, running, or cycling on just about any kind of bike.
Horseback riding is also only allowed on a 25 mile section of the
trail from Sedalia to Calhoun. Many cross-country cyclists include the Katy Trail
in their tours. It is part of Adventure
Cycling's Lewis & Clark route, as well as the American
Discovery Trail.
This is a
nice trail to ride if you don't like a lot of hills - up or
down, if you don't like a lot of big rock, if you don't like a lot
of ditches, etc. If you do like a nice wide clear path,
where you can ride 2 or 3 across, then this is the trail for
you. Much of it is shaded, but you don't have to worry
so much about ducking tree limbs, knocking your knee caps on
solid trees that don't seem to move out of your way, thorn
trees that aren't very forgiving, or brushing up against the
climbing poison ivy this or that.
There are a
number of hikers and bikers, especially on the weekend and
holidays, and most are very courteous, however once in awhile
one might come whizzing up from behind without regard to how
the horses might react. For the horses, this is no
different than the occasional deer that might jump up
right in front of them. There are times when these
things can startle even the most quiet of trail horses,
however for the most part, it is just another day at the
office.
Broken Gait Trail Rides is not responsible for loss or injury. All
riders must sign a waiver and release form prior to your scheduled ride.
Missouri Revised Statutes
Chapter 537
Torts and Actions for Damages
Section
537.325
Augusts 28, 2002 - 2. Except as provided in subsection 4 of
this section, an equine activity sponsor, an equine
professional or any other person or corporation shall not be
liable for an injury to or the death of a participant
resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities and,
except as provided in subsection 4 of this section, no
participant or a participant's representative shall make any
claim against, maintain an action against, or recover from an
equine activity sponsor, an equine professional, or any other
person from injury, loss, damage or death of the participant
resulting from any of the inherent risks of equine activities
Be sure and read the entire Statute
