MKT Trail – Boathenge loop from University of Missouri
MKT Trail – Boathenge loop from University of Missouri
4.8
(8125)
15,478
riders
MKT Trail – Boathenge loop from University of Missouri
02:27
47.6km
150m
Gravel riding
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: May 22, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
4.32 km
MKT Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
13.3 km
Hindman Junction at the intersect of the Katy and MKT trails
Highlight • Trail
Tip by
20.6 km
Providence Access
Nature Reserve
23.5 km
Boathenge
Highlight • Structure
Tip by
23.9 km
Cooper’s Landing
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
24.3 km
Katy Trail Along the Missouri River
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
Tip by
38.3 km
Brushwood Lake
Lake
42.6 km
Wooden Bridge in Hinkson Woods Conservation Area
Highlight • Bridge
Tip by
43.3 km
Fishing Lake
Highlight • Lake
Tip by
47.6 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
31.2 km
15.7 km
745 m
Surfaces
31.2 km
15.4 km
805 m
144 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Today
Saturday 11 July
26°C
20°C
76 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a unique gravel biking adventure starting right from the University of Missouri, the MKT Trail – Boathenge loop offers a moderate 29.6-mile (47.6 km) journey with a gentle 489 feet (149 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours and 27 minutes. This route is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of urban greenways and scenic rail-trails, culminating in a quirky art installation, making it one of the more popular gravel biking trails Columbia MO has to offer.
What to expect on MKT Trail – Boathenge loop from University of Missouri
Your ride begins by connecting from the University of Missouri campus onto the MKT Trail, a crushed limestone path that winds through wooded areas and over old wooden bridges, following Flat Branch Creek. As you leave Columbia, the scenery opens up, and you'll merge onto the famous Katy Trail at Hindman Junction. From there, you'll head west along the Missouri River, passing through forests and fields, with towering bluffs providing a dramatic backdrop. The highlight is undoubtedly Boathenge, an unusual art installation of boats buried vertically, offering a memorable photo op. The MKT Trail terrain type and Katy Trail's flat grades make this route accessible for most riders, though the full loop back to the university might involve navigating some local gravel roads or paved sections.
Planning your visit
While the MKT and Katy Trails are well-maintained and offer amenities like restrooms and water at various points, creating a true loop back to the University of Missouri after visiting Boathenge requires some planning beyond simply following the main trails. You might need to explore local gravel roads or connect to other trails like the Hinkson Creek Trail for your return. Both trails are generally easy to ride due to their flat topography and well-packed crushed limestone surface, making them enjoyable in most seasons, though spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures.
Trail details
- Distance: 29.6 miles (47.6 km)
- Elevation gain: 489 feet (149 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 2 hours and 27 minutes
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