KATY Trail at Rocheport and Diana Bend
KATY Trail, Rocheport, Mo., at Diana Bend Conservation Area
This Central Missouri section of the rail trail is one of its most scenic.
Trail KATY Trail, Rocheport, Mo., trailhead.
Overview
The 287-mile long KATY Trail runs from Pleasant Hill, Mo., to St. Louis, Mo. It’s the longest recreational rail trail in the United States. But let’s be honest: Not all parts of it are equal from a scenic point of view. This is especially true if you’re walking. There are only so many miles of flat soybean and cornfields you can take. In addition, very few people will complete the entire length of the trail. Because of this, it’s essential for most people to pick highlights and hike or bike in those areas. The section of the trail that runs past Rocheport, Mo., and through Diana Bend Conservation Area, is a jewel. This section hugs the Missouri River tightly in the shadow of towering 200-foot rock bluffs and dense forest. Heading east from Rocheport, the trail enters the conservation area via an 1892 railroad tunnel. Here, the trail also runs through, and adjacent to, the Diana Bend Conservation Area, a 1,343-acre preserve alongside the river. By taking a short detour, you can take a Diana Bend trail to the top of the bluffs for a view of the river valley. The viewing platform is actually on top of the railroad tunnel, with hikers and bikers passing below you.
Length
There are about three miles of trails in the Diana Bend Conservation Area. You can walk or bike the KATY Trail as much or little as you like.
Address and location
The Rocheport Trailhead is located at 700 1st Street, Rocheport, Mo. 65279. However, you can easily access the trail from any of the streets that connect to First Street. The 1892 MKT Tunnel is just west of town.
Diana Bend Conservation Area can be accessed in several places, so don’t let your GPS lead you astray. If you want to walk the steep blufftop trail that leads above the tunnel, the access point is 440 Central Street, Rocheport, MO 65279. Because it doesn’t look like a trailhead (even though it is), here is an image:
There is also a shorter, easier way to reach the blufftop if you don’t want to walk the longer, steeper trail. As you enter the MKT Tunnel from the east, there is a posted entrance sign for Diana Bend. You won’t experience as much of the forest or blufftop prairie, but you’ll get to the top much quicker. Just look for this sign:
Conditions The KATY Trail is gravel and expertly maintained. Rain and snow, of course, will impact your experience. The Diana Bend Conservation Area trails are a mowed surface (with a few exceptions). It’s easy to get lost on conservation trails because of the presence of many “rabbit trails” and side trails that aren’t listed on maps. The very steep and longer, blufftop trail has trails that don’t correspond with the map, so trial and error may be required.
Kid friendly? The KATY Trail is level and easy, but parents need to be mindful of bike traffic. The Diana Bend Trail is rugged and should be reserved for hearty hikers.
How busy? This trail is near Columbia, Mo., and can be heavily trafficked on ideal days and in peak season. It is one of the most popular sections of the entire KATY Trail.
Pets Yes, on a leash (unless otherwise designated).
Bikes Permitted on the KATY Trail.
Other hiking opportunities near Columbia, Mo.
