HomeMissouriColumbia › Katy Trail - McBaine Trailhead

Katy Trail - McBaine Trailhead

4.8 ★★★★★ 157 Google reviews · Running trail in Columbia, Missouri · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Mixed
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Not reported
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Katy Trail - McBaine Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.

MixedScenicStroller / ADAFlat & fastRestroomsWaterTrailhead parking

Laid-back trail and bike path for outdoor recreation, featuring water fountains and river views.

What runners say about Katy Trail - McBaine Trailhead

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (157 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 8 mentions

“I have to say from the McBaine trailhead to Rocheport trailhead is absolutely gorgeous, probably one of the best areas of the Katy trail.”

Biked from McBaine to Easely - nice bluffs along the trail, then the Missouri River. This section runs through conservation areas, plus there's a hike to an overlook (Eagle Bluff?) right off the trail.

★★★★★ — Karen , Apr 2023

Trail is well taken care of, plenty flat and an easy ride. It goes by the river and through the woods making a very nice ride in both summer and winter.

★★★★★ — Rachel , Apr 2021

Excellent bike/running trail with beautiful scenery to the east or west. Cool destinations 6-10 miles in either direction... and views on the Missouri River along the way.

★★★★★ — Matthew , Mar 2019

Great cold water at this trailhead. Around the corner Mr. Marivn Sapp 92 years old was gracious enough to let me camp on his property for the night. We talked for hours , from his service in the war to caring for his loving wife Kathleen , he is a retired mail carrier and a true gem.

★★★★★ — David , Sep 2021

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 157 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 11 mentions

“I have to say from the McBaine trailhead to Rocheport trailhead is absolutely gorgeous, probably one of the best areas of the Katy trail.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 11 mentions

“I have to say from the McBaine trailhead to Rocheport trailhead is absolutely gorgeous, probably one of the best areas of the Katy trail.”

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Flat & fast 4 mentions

“Flat, gravel, dirt trail that is easy to walk, run or bike.”

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🚻 Restrooms 4 mentions

“A good access point is Katy Trail - McBain trailhead where there is parking and bathrooms.”

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🪨 Crushed gravel / limestone 3 mentions

“Flat, gravel, dirt trail that is easy to walk, run or bike.”

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🌲 Natural surface / singletrack 2 mentions

“The Katy is a beautiful hiking and biking trail along the "muddy" Missouri River.”

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🚰 Water fountains 2 mentions

“Water fountains are now operational!”

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Stroller / ADA accessible

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Plan your run at Katy Trail - McBaine Trailhead

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
  • DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
  • ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
  • At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
  • Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
  • Websitemostateparks.com
  • Phone+1 573-449-7402
  • Social Facebook

Hours

Monday 6 am–10 pm
Tuesday 6 am–10 pm
Wednesday 6 am–10 pm
Thursday 6 am–10 pm
Friday 6 am–10 pm
Saturday 6 am–10 pm
Sunday 6 am–10 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Katy Trail - McBaine Trailhead

Katy Trail, Columbia, MO 65203

Get directions

Running trails near Columbia

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

Eagle Bluffs Overlook Trailhead

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Jay Dix Station

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Dog-friendly

Neighborhood park offering a bike track, a playground, a skateboarding area, and an outdoor gym.

3.1 miles away

MKT Trail - Scott Boulevard Access

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Playground featuring a train motif alongside a basketball court and soccer field.

3.2 miles away

Forum Nature Area

4.8 ★★★★★ 191 reviews

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ScenicDog-friendly

Park for walking featuring wildlife and scenic trails.

4.8 miles away

Bonnie View Nature Sanctuary

4.7 ★★★★★ 221 reviews

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LoopMixedShadedScenic

This 90-acre park is a preserve for native plants & animals, with walking trails & a picnic shelter.

5.2 miles away

3M Flat Branch-Hinkson Creek Wetlands

4.8 ★★★★★ 50 reviews

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LoopScenicDog-friendly

Well-maintained trail popular for jogging, walking and bicycling, with frequent wildlife sightings.

5.4 miles away

All running trails in Columbia, MO →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.