The best traffic-free bike rides in Warren County

Known locally as “Devil’s Boot Cave,” this natural overhang carved in sandstone resembles the shape of a boot and stretches roughly 25 feet deep and wide, near Marthasville. Once used as a pioneer shelter and noted by local schools for nature trips, the site offers a little geological curiosity beside the trail—a hands-on reminder of Missouri’s limestone landscape and early frontier life. Great for a quick stop and photo op!

Shortly after turning onto Case Road, cyclists enter the 3,520-acre Daniel Boone Conservation Area — part of Missouri’s preserved forestland celebrated for wooded hills, glades, four fishable ponds, and trails that wind through rugged valleys and wildlife habitat, perfect for birding, nature photography, or stretching legs before the climb While the Katy Trail has been smooth and flat up to this point, once you turn onto Case Road and enter the conservation area, expect a steady climb that eventually reaches a challenging maximum grade of about 12% (you may want to walk your bike at this part) This ascent leads you up to the campground within the Conservation Area—so pace yourself, shift into a lower gear, and take short breaks if needed before reaching the ridge and the peaceful campsites above.

This small town offers a convenient trailhead with parking, restrooms, and a bike repair station. Just off the trail, Loutre Market serves hot deli food, snacks, drinks, and trail essentials—making it a great resupply stop. The restored McKittrick Farmers Mercantile building now offers loft-style lodging steps from the trail. With both charm and function, McKittrick is a worthwhile pause on your ride east.

Between mile markers 93.2 and 89.0, the Katy Trail offers some of its most breathtaking views of the Missouri River. This section features sweeping vistas of the river, dramatic limestone bluffs, and serene floodplain landscapes. The Missouri River, often called the "Big Muddy" due to its high silt content, is the longest river in North America, stretching over 2,300 miles from Montana to its confluence with the Mississippi River near St. Louis.

The Katy Trail from Matson to Augusta or vice versa offers mostly shaded paths, providing views of bluffs, wooden bridges, and glimpses of Klondike Park and the surrounding rural area along the way.

Klondike Park, nestled alongside the Missouri River near Katy Trail State Park, was a former silica sand quarry, now restored by St. Charles County Parks. Enjoy stunning views of the Missouri River from its bluffs. The park offers numerous camping sites and is known for its powdery white silica sand, once used for glass production. The Lewis and Clark Expedition also passed through this area.

Augusta is a historic town nestled among rolling hills on the Missouri River bluffs. Incorporated in 1855, it proudly holds the distinction of being America's first designated wine region, recognized by the Federal Government in 1980—preceding even Napa and Sonoma! Known for its quaint charm and historic sites, Augusta stands as one of the most popular stops along the Katy Trail. Here, visitors can easily hop on or off the trail to discover wineries, a brewery, restaurants, a coffee shop, antiques, specialty stores, and relaxing B&Bs.

The Katy Trail from Matson to Augusta offers mostly shaded paths, providing views of bluffs, wooden bridges, and glimpses of Klondike Park and the surrounding rural area along the way.