#SaveYourShop

“We love and need the mountains, trails, rivers and wild places. They nourish our spirit. Our mission is – with true enthusiasm – to bring or renew this love to our customers and to each person who works with us.”

To state the obvious: we are in unprecedented and uncertain times. 

In these times, we look to our company mission: We need the wild places.

The Present of Alpine Shop
We have closed all of our Missouri stores (Kirkwood, Chesterfield and Columbia) through April 22, to match the St. Louis County Stay at Home Order. We are choosing the safety of our staff and customers over any interpretation of “Shelter in Place” orders that would allow us to remain open.

Our small internet sales team remains on the job and a skeleton crew remains to meet all obligations we can, while keeping us ready to reopen when the time comes. 

The problem is that we don’t know when that will be.

The History of Alpine Shop
“We believe our people add value to every transaction, but we don’t expect you to pay more for it” has been our pricing policy since before the internet. We’ve invested in our staff over many years, providing more training and adjusting schedules so they can “do what we sell”.

Over the 47 years we’ve been in business, starting as a climbing shop in a 10 foot by 15 foot second floor room, we’ve had our ups and downs. A large national chain competitor came to town. We prepared by increasing inventory. We lost 17% of our business over two years, but by the third we were back to even and on our way. No one lost their jobs.

Early on, we saw the Great Recession coming. We canceled orders, cut back inventory and battened down the hatches. It was painful. Over a number of years, losses equaled profits. Good people, who deserved raises, could not get them; we didn’t have the money. But, through it all, no one lost a job.

The calamity we’re all living in has now dealt us the heartbreaking task of laying off over 100 friends and colleagues, outfitters and managers alike. They are at home, waiting for the day we can re-open our doors. We have done everything we can to assure they get maximum benefits, and we are maintaining their existing health insurance.

The Future of Alpine Shop and Request for Your Help
An undefined closure is a threat to any small business.  Many stores only have cash reserves to tide them over for a few weeks. We worry that this virus scenario could erase many local small businesses. 

At this most vulnerable time, it is our hope that we now can rely on 47+ years of goodwill and expert service to our communities, and ask that you support our Alpine Shop community in any way you can, and, if possible, that you do it Now.

If you enjoy our free and low cost events, fundraisers and donations to local causes; if your children have learned to love the outdoors through our work with the schools; or if you’re just happy knowing we’re offering these things, we humbly ask for your support. 

An influx of cash now through your purchase of gift cards, of bike maintenance vouchers to be used when we reopen, or simply by shopping with us – all of which can be done at www.alpineshop.com – would make an extraordinary difference.

This extends beyond our stores. Thank you for continuing to support your favorite small shops in our communities, so that they will still be here after this ordeal ends.

With the utmost gratitude…

Lisa and Russell “Holly” Hollenbeck and the entire Alpine Shop Family

#SaveYourShop
#WeNeedTheWildPlaces
#GenerationsTransformedByDiscoveryOutdoors
#WeAreIndieOutdoor
#outdoorspecialtyretail
#grassrootsoutdooralliance

Alpine Shop’s Top 5 Hiking Boots for Spring

Despite the unceasing stream of bad news, spring is still coming. The rain will stop, the days will brighten, and the world will turn green again. If you’re dreading days of isolation, it may just be time to take a hike. 

At Alpine Shop, we’ve got top-rated hiking boots to get you back to nature this season. The best part? Hiking is the original “social distancing.” 

 Our Top 5 Picks for Hiking this Spring 

  • Salomon Quest 

These boots were voted best for rugged terrain according to Switch Back Travel, and fans call them tough and supportive, yet comfortable. Updated just last year, these shoes were redesigned to provide a more flexible platform for comfort and an improved outsole for grip. We love Salomon Quest because they include technology designed to reduce fatigue. With seam-sealed GORE-TEX membranes, they’ll keep your feet dry, too. We think you’ll find them stable, cushioning, and perfect for your next backpacking trip. 

  • Oboz Sawtooth II 

These are new in stock, and we couldn’t be happier to offer them to our hikers. 

Oboz has a reputation for designing comfortable footwear, and the Sawtooth II model is no exception. Plush on the inside and tough on the outside, these boots are perfect for your next camping trip. We like the breathable mesh paneling and the lighter weight of these shoes, which fit snugly around your ankle. Oboz shoes have an O FIT Insole, a proprietary feature that gives you an unbeatable fit. 

  • Vasque St. Elias GTX 

Our next pick is the updated St. Elias GTX. Don’t let their rather clunky appearance fool you. These shoes are comfortable right out of the box. They’re also flexible and sturdy, which makes them perfect for long distance hikes. Plus, they feature a waterproof leather upper and a GORE-TEX membrane to keep your toes nice and dry. We love these shoes because, while they have a classic boot look, they’re still nice and nimble on the trail. 

  • Merrell Moab 2

If you aren’t familiar with this brand, you soon will be. Some hikers say that Merrell Moab boots set the standard for footwear. What makes the Moab so popular? The reasonable price is one factor. They’re also lightweight and comfy, with a supportive footbed and Vibram traction. With a waterproof membrane and lots of arch support, these hikers will carry you across any terrain. 

  • Keen Targhee III 

This is another product that comes with a reasonable price tag and comfort from the first wear. We call the Keen line iconic because it’s been popular since its inception, known to be reliable for day hiking and weekend camping trips. These shoes offer a waterproof yet breathable membrane and a stable heel. They’re durable and stylish enough to become your go-to favorite this season.  

All of these choices are ready to wear and durable enough to hold up to rough trail conditions and spring rains. They’re perfect for when you can’t take one more moment in the house. Want more recommendations? Contact us at Alpine Shop or visit our online store! 

Kids Stuck at Home? Outdoor Play Ideas and Products – to Help You Keep Your Sanity!

According to the experts, parents all over the country may need to rethink group play dates, soccer games, and even local playground jungle gyms. Why?

“There is evidence corona viruses can live on plastic and metal for up to nine days,” explains Dr. Asaf Bitton, a primary care physician. “We really want to be mindful about reducing … interpersonal contact and any potential spread.”

Parents may want to opt for outdoor activities that are individual, like biking or hiking. If sports equipment isn’t shared, and kiddos can keep more of a distance from one another, it’s safer during this era of social distancing.  

We know it’s not news that you ever wanted to hear. But we also know that there is plenty you and your kids can do outdoors without increasing the risk of spreading the virus to other families. We can help with our top ten suggestions and products to get you through this quarantine period. 

10 Outdoor Activities for Kids

(1) Biking 

Nothing boosts the spirits more than hopping on a bike and speeding down the trail. It’s an individual sport kids can do, even during a quarantine like the one we’re facing. Families can get into the fun with bike obstacle courses in a yard or park, or bike “car washes” in the backyard if it’s warm enough outside. If you need a new bicycle for your child, or if you need to stock up on helmets or other supplies, we have it all in stock. 

(2) Hiking 

Hiking is another activity that allows your kids to explore nature, relieve stress, and work off some energy, all while keeping a safe distance from other children. We recommend hiking for everyone, actually, as a way to keep active during this time. At the moment, Missouri State Parks and St. Louis County Parks remain open and ready to be explored. 

(3) Outdoor Art and Games 

GSI Outdoors Freestyle Barrell Toss
GSI Outdoors Backpack Boccee

If you aren’t near a park, but need to give your kids some outdoor time, consider giving them some sidewalk chalk and sending them out to the front stoop. We also recommend camping games like disc golf, or this freestyle barrel toss game available at Alpine Shop. We even have Backpack Bocce

Games like these are simple to set up and can be a lifesaver for working-at-home parents. 

(4) Become a Wildlife Expert 

Want to make outdoor time educational? Have your kids become neighborhood wildlife experts. Kids can make a list of the animals that live in the neighborhood, or become experts on plants, flowers, birds, and insects they can see around their home. 

At Alpine Shop, we offer resources and books for budding naturalists

(5) Outdoor Chores

For fans of old-school-style parenting, you could always put your kiddos to work outside, washing cars, picking up twigs, pulling weeds, or mowing the lawn. If that’s not as successful as you hoped, have them raid the garage for old Amazon boxes and make a cardboard fort out of them. 

(6) Spring Gardening 

Turn those chores into something fun and educational: have your children help you plant a spring garden. With a packet of seeds and our rainy spring weather, you can watch the plants grow until we’re given the all-clear to roam freely again. 

(7) Backyard Camping 

Nemo Stargaze Camp Chair

Plan a picnic or a backyard camping trip! Kids will love setting up the tent and spending time outdoors. With camping chairs and a hammock, your kids will have everything they need to stay out of your hair. You can even teach them important real-world skills, like how to build a campfire, pitch a tent, or keep away from poison ivy. One of our favorite products in our camping line is the Stargaze Camp Chair

(8) Treasure Hunts & Obstacle Courses 

If you have the patience to set it up, treasure hunts can be a lot of fun for kids. Depending on how many objects you hide around the house and in the yard, they can last a while, too. Hide 10 or 15 “treasures” and give kids clues to find them. Another option? Set up an outdoor obstacle course for kids – or, if children are old enough, have them create one themselves! 

(9) Easter Egg Hunts 

It may be early for Easter, but Easter Egg Hunts are easy outdoor activities that kids love to do over and over again. Want to make it more educational? Put vocabulary words or math problems in the eggs and make it a part of homeschooling. 

(10) Recess 

Many parents out there are suddenly discovering that they’re required to be teachers, too. The good news is that even home-schoolers need recess. Get those kids outside with a jumping rope or a yoga video and make sure they’re getting fresh air and exercise during the day. Ask your kids what their favorite recess games are. Together, you can come up with a list of outdoor activities and games. Setting a schedule for learning is great, but you and your kids all need breaks and playtime. 

Visit Alpine Shop Online for Outdoor Supplies and Games 

At Alpine Shop, we’re experts at getting back to nature and spending time outdoors. Visit us online for a range of products. From camping tents to hiking boots, we’ve got you covered this spring. 

Now More than Ever.

Now more than ever… we need to find opportunities to cope with the stress surrounding us.

Now more than ever… Alpine Shop’s mission statement rings true: “We love and need the mountains, trails, rivers and wild places. They nourish our spirit.”

We don’t know how long this crisis will last, but while we’re able to, we believe we need to “nourish our spirits” by taking a walk through our local parks, by hiking our beloved trails, by exploring the scenic rivers and lakes around us, or by rolling our bikes down the next path.

Now more than ever… we need to re-discover a favorite footpath, re-introduce our children to the wonders of the forest floor, and remind ourselves of the power of simply getting outside.

Now more than ever… take care of your family and friends. Take care of your neighbors in need. But also, take care of yourself. Nourish your spirit in any way that you can.

Because, now more than ever…we need the mountains, trails, rivers and wild places. They can nourish us all.

Where we go from here – Updated 4/3/20:

All Alpine Shop locations in Missouri are temporarily closed.

However, our Kirkwood store’s Bike Shop remains open on a limited basis to accept bike service customers. Please call the store at 314-962-7715 for full details. We will post additional updates when we are able to reopen.

In the meantime, our webstore remains fully operational for any of your outdoor needs. The Pathfinder (Manhattan, Kan.) remain open, but are operating on shortened hours. For more information on all of our stores’ current schedules, you can find it here.

Please note: Out of abundance of caution for both guests and team members, effective immediately, all returns and exchanges will be suspended until April 22. We are also extending the return date on any receipts by at least three weeks.

Alpine Shop’s and The Pathfinder’s Outfitters are passionate about the outdoors and are dedicated to continuing to help make your adventures as enjoyable and safe as possible. We’ve already posted about what we’re doing in our stores to keep them clean and sanitized, as well as what events we have had to cancel, here. We will continue to update that information as it becomes available.

All in-store clinics are cancelled through May 10, in accordance with the latest CDC guidelines. In the meantime, we will be posting on-line videos of our clinics and programs to make sure you can continue to get the information you need. Please visit our events site at: alpineshopevents.com for more information.

Stay Safe. Stay Healthy.

Please understand, we are not advocating for anyone to take a road trip across the country to visit national parks. Instead, we are urging people to discover – or rediscover – the parks, forests, and other wild places near your homes. Below, you can find a list of options for getting outside (near our shop locations) that we know are either open (or closed) to continue to explore during this pandemic crisis. We will update this list as we get more information.

We would like to point out that even through the state of Illinois is under a stay-at-home order (March 20), “outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, running and biking are all allowed, (as long as) social distancing requirements (are) followed.” Evidently the Illinois government agrees with our take on things.

What to do:

Open:

  • Select Missouri State Parks (programs & events are cancelled, parks remain open). Certain parks, including Castlewood State Park in St. Louis are closed as of Thursday, April 2.
  • Kansas State Parks (some parks are closed. See below)
  • Illinois Local Parks – During the stay-at-home order put in place on 3/20 by Illinois Governor Pritzker, while playgrounds are closed, the order does specifically allow for “outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, running and biking (while) social distancing requirements (are) followed.”

Closed:

COVID-19 Store Update – March 23, 2020

In accordance with the St. Louis County Stay at Home Order, Alpine Shop Kirkwood has temporarily closed its doors beginning Monday, March 23 as the nation, and our neighborhoods, continue to fight the spread of coronavirus.

Alpine Shop Columbia (Mo.) and our Manhattan, Kan., location – The Pathfinder – will remain open for the time being under the same regional and national guidelines and laws that we have followed since this pandemic began. Alpine Shop’s web store – www.alpineshop.com – will continue to serve as a way for our customers to browse our products and support a local business, as well.

Alpine Shop’s co-owners, Russell “Holly” and Lisa Hollenbeck, appreciate all the support the community has shown not only over the past few weeks, but also has provided over the past 47 years.

The Kirkwood location becomes the second Alpine Shop location to temporarily close during the coronavirus pandemic. The Chesterfield, Mo., store, closed earlier in March. As soon as the threat is over, all Alpine Shop locations will re-open as quickly as possible.

About Alpine Shop:

What began in 1973 as a small climbing shop in Webster Groves, Missouri, has grown into an award-winning outdoor retailer, serving almost every type of outdoor enthusiast from backpackers, hikers, campers, paddlers, and cyclists, to trail runners, travelers, snowboarders, and skiers. With four stores across Missouri and Kansas, Alpine Shop has upheld it’s vision to see “Generations Transformed by Discovery Outdoors” by helping to clean and maintain our rivers, parks and trails while introducing more than 17,000 people to the outdoors through instructional programs, competitions or events in the past five years.

Complete Guide to Staying Dry for Spring

Are you waiting eagerly for spring like we are? Rain or shine, nothing’s going to stop us from hitting the trail this season. However, since we do tend to get spring showers and thunderstorms, it’s worth it to take a look at waterproof – and waterproofing – gear at Alpine Shop. Keep reading for our recommendations and a few tips to keep yourself cozy and dry, no matter what kind of weather you face. 

Top 5 Waterproof Jackets at Alpine Shop 

If you’re in the market for a new waterproof jacket, we can help with our list of the Top 5 here at Alpine Shop. 

#1 – Patagonia Stretch Rainshadow Jacket 

This top-notch product from Patagonia is lightweight and packable, but it offers some of the best protection available with a 2.5-layer stretch nylon shell. Don’t take our word for it. This outside reviewer lists the Rainshadow Jacket in their top 10, commenting that the product “will keep you dry in everything from drizzle to light snowfall.” We like it because it has a ton of cool features and because, like many of Patagonia’s products, it’s made from 100% recycled material. Plus, this jacket is currently 30% off! 

#2 – Patagonia Torrentshell 

Our second product on the list is also from Patagonia: the trusted and reasonably priced Torrentshell. Coolhikinggear.com calls this popular product “a functional and no nonsense rain jacket” perfect for when “you need performance and protection from the elements when you’re out on the hills.” This one is another 2.5 layer jacket treated with Patagonia’s Deluge DWR finish to give it a high waterproof rating. For unpretentious protection, it can’t be beat. 

#3 – Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket 

Marmot took its bestselling PreCip and boosted performance and sustainability to create this eco-friendly jacket. At $100, it’s well worth the investment. We like it because it’s sturdy, durable, and PFC-free. While some reviewers have found it to be a little clammy at times, we think that if you pair this jacket with the correct wicking base layers, you stay cool and dry. We’re big fans of this versatile wardrobe staple. 

#4 – North Face Venture 2

The Venture 2 for Women has been updated with new fabric and a sleek style. Its breathable DryVent 2.5-layer membrane keeps you warm and dry, even in the worst stormy weather. REI names this jacket the “best all-around multisport,” perfect for any adventure. We love its breathability and its adjustable hood. 

#5 – Columbia Watertight II 

With a sale price of less than $60, this is a solid choice for hikers on a budget. The Watertight II offers zippered hand pockets, wrist cinchers, and an adjustable hood in addition to its ultralight shell. 

Waterproofing Tips and Terms to Know 

When you go shopping for rainy weather gear, it’s helpful to know the difference between waterproof and water-resistant, among other terms. 

When we use the term waterproof, we mean that the product is completely impermeable to water. Water resistant, on the other hand, means that the product can resist water to a great degree, but not entirely. 

While most light rain jackets and inexpensive windbreakers are water-resistant, they aren’t entirely waterproof. They’ll keep you dry in a drizzle, but they’re useless in a heavy downpour. To be deemed fully waterproof, jackets need either a built-in barrier like Gore-Tex and/or an outer coating like DWR (durable water repellent) and fully taped seams. 

Washing and Protecting Your Gear 

Some people think that they can protect their waterproof gear by not washing it; actually, the opposite is true. Here’s why. 

To be effective, a waterproof jacket needs a couple of things: a durable water repellent (DWR) coating that will bead water and keep it out and clean layers that allow air to pass through. To keep those layers clean, and to keep your jacket doing what it’s supposed to, it’s important to wash the product regularly. When you do, be sure to check the label for specific instructions. Generally, we recommend washing the jacket in warm water, rinsing it well, and hanging it to dry. 

If you notice that your once-reliable jacket isn’t beading up water the way it used to, you may need to reapply DWR. This will help you keep your jacket for another few seasons. To reapply DWR, all you need is a spray-on product. At Alpine Shop, we offer the Nikwax TX Direct Spray-On, which works very well. 

We also carry a dual washing/waterproofing product by Nikwax, if you prefer. If you have questions about your jacket’s performance, don’t hesitate to give us a call. One of our staff members will be happy to help! 

Visit Alpine Shop for Waterproof Gear and More 

In addition to waterproof jackets and DWR sprays, we have top-of-the-line hiking boots, cozy socks, and everything else you might need for springtime sports. Visit our shop or explore online for the best waterproof gear in the area. Or find all of our men’s and women’s rain jackets here.

Introducing Curbside Service at Alpine Shop & The Pathfinder

We understand that during this pandemic, many people are looking for ways to support local businesses without necessarily walking through them.

Beginning today, March 18, 2020, our locations in Kirkwood and Columbia, Missouri, as well as The Pathfinder in Manhattan, Kansas, will begin offering Curbside Service for any customer interested in using it at no additional cost.

Here’s how it works:

  1. If you will be picking up your purchases from our Kirkwood location, we encourage you to browse on-line at alpineshop.com to determine what you would like to buy.

    If you are shopping at our Columbia location, please see an up to date inventory of many of our products here
    .

    If you are shopping at our Pathfinder location in Manhattan, Kan., please see the latest inventory on many of our products here.
  2. Once you’ve determined which products you would like to purchase, call the store you would like to pick up from. Here are their numbers:

    Kirkwood: 314-962-7715
    Columbia: 573-817-2955
    The Pathfinder: 785-539-5639

    An outfitter will take your order over the phone, verify your purchase and take your payment. We will pack up your order and let you know by phone when it is ready to be picked up.
  3. When you arrive for curbside service, call the store again and let them know you are waiting outside.
  4. We’ll bring your bags to your car!

COVID-19 Events & Program Announcement

In light of increasing developments resulting from COVID-19 along with reviewing the most current health information from St. Louis City and County health departments, and after discussions with the Shaw Nature Reserve, The Banff Centre, and The Sheldon Performing Center, we have multiple announcements to make for some of our largest events of the year.

At this time, we are officially postponing the 2020 Shaw Bloom Trail 10k/20k, scheduled for Saturday, March 21, and The Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour, scheduled for March 25 and 26.

We are officially cancelling all scheduled in-store programs, our Spring Swap, scheduled April 24-26, Ozark Trail Association Pint Night, scheduled Wednesday, April 28, and suspended registration for Tour Of Hermann.

The Shaw Bloom Trail 10k/20k will be rescheduled for Saturday, September, 26, 2020 at The Shaw Nature Reserve. All current registrations will be automatically moved to that date. You do not need to re-register for the event. Due to the extraordinary nature of this situation, we will also offer full refunds to anyone who no longer wishes to participate beginning next week. Information on how to receive a refund will be released by Wednesday, March 25.

The Banff Centre announced on Thursday, March 12 that they are shutting down the remaining schedule of the 2019-20 Mountain Film Festival World Tour as of today, March 13. We are working with The Banff Centre and The Sheldon to determine possible dates for a rescheduled show/shows in St. Louis in September. We are also working with The Sheldon and MetroTix to determine a refund policy for cancelled shows. We will provide more information on this as soon as we have it.

In the meantime, all Alpine Shop and The Pathfinder locations are doing everything possible to keep our stores clean and healthy for all of our customers. We have instituted new cleaning procedures and are dedicated to staying open.

In this extraordinary time when everyone seems to be more and more ready to hide out at home, may we offer a coronavirus-free alternative? How about all of the trails, rivers, lakes and crags that are still right where they’ve been all along? As far as we’re aware, you can follow all city, state and federal guidelines for dealing with this outbreak while in the backcountry (and staying more than six feet from any friends you bring along.)

Unplugging from all of this craziness surrounding us right now sounds like it just may be the best idea, yet.

Explore the Katy Trail

The Katy Trail 3 Ways

Are you ready to experience the Missouri countryside like never before? We’ve created the perfect itineraries for spending a few days along the Katy Trail by bike, watercraft, or on foot. Don’t miss out on some of the stops along the way—from local faire to live music, there is a lot to take in. Better get packing!

Bike the Katy Trail:

If you’re looking for the best way to enjoy the Katy Trail by bike, we’ve created an itinerary for the perfect route, complete with our favorite stops along the way.

Day 1:

Set out on your journey from Machens, where the bike trail begins. Note that this is considered mile marker 26.9. This is because the markers are holdovers from the railway, which began its route near St. Louis. Take advantage of the restrooms here, then saddle up and prepare for the day ahead.

Your first efforts will take you 3 miles to the bike repair station at Black Walnut Trail Head. This is a good place to iron out any last-minute issues you may have just become aware of.

When you’re feeling good, continue on for 9 miles until arriving on the riverfront. From here, there are two good options for lunch. Either stop directly at Big A’s for a burger and a round of pool, or continue on for .5 miles to Trailhead Brewing, where you can enjoy a well-deserved craft beer with your meal.

Having eaten, the next step is 7.5 more miles to Thies Greenhouse. A family operation for 6 generations, the fresh produce at this market is just the thing to take back to your campsite for dinner.

Pack up your haul and get back on the trail. 18 more miles will take you all the way to Klondike Park. Choose one of the 43 available campsites, pitch your tent, and start up the camp stove—it’s time to get down to roasting some of those veggies and relaxing under the impressive display of stars. There is a bathhouse on site for a hot shower. If you’re in the mood to splurge, there are also six cabins for rent within the campground.

Total for the day: 37.5 miles, ending at marker 64.1

Day 2:

Feeling rested? It’s time to get back out there. Strike out westward, heading for the Augusta Trailhead. Grab some morning joe from Kate’s Coffee, and make a stop at Katy Bike Rental for any repairs that need to be seen to.

8 miles down the trail, you’ll find Dutzow Deli & Restaurant, ideal for wolfing down a stack of pancakes or a hearty sandwich. Alternately, 12.5 miles from Augusta is Lake Creek Winery, where you can enjoy an upscale bite and a glass of one of their house wines. If you’re after a taste of the local culture, 17.5 miles will get you to Peers Store. Listen to live music on the porch, browse the selection of art, and munch on a snack for a little rejuvenation.

In Marthasville, near the Lake Creek Winery, you’ll find Thierbach Orchards. Depending on the season, pluck a few crisp apples off the trees or grab a carton of berries to keep you going.

After all that excitement, head back to Community Club Park in Marthasville to spend the night. If the pavilion is full, a field across the street offers additional space. Another bathhouse with showers means climbing into your sleeping bag feeling clean and smelling good. Total for the day: 14 miles, ending at marker 78

Day 3:

Make sure to get a good breakfast on this morning, because the first leg is 22.5 miles to McKittrick. Stop at Loutre Market for a last grocery resupply, and then cross the river via the bridge just west of the Highway 19 underpass into Hermann. If your craft beer itch hasn’t been fully scratched, check out Tin Mill Brewing Company. If wine is more your thing, there’s Hermannhof Winery.

For a quicker stop, take a break at the McKittrick Trailhead for restrooms and a repair station.

Ride 9 more miles to Steamboat Junction Campground. There are five tent sites available in the lower campground, and a few more are scattered along the upper ridge. Snacks and drinks are sold by the campground staff on weekends. If Steamboat is full, try Blufton Barn. This campground features a fully furnished kitchen, laundry facilities, and a bathhouse with hot showers. This is a great spot for a bonfire with friends to celebrate the end of your trip.

Total for the day: 33 miles, ending at marker 110.7

Hike the Katy Trail:

If hoofing it is more your thing, check out the route from Franklin to Hartsburg. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, campsites, and oddities that will have you excited to round every corner.

Day 1:

Start this time in Franklin, where a stop at Casey’s General Store for some coffee and homemade donuts hot from the oven will provide just the fuel you need for the start of your adventure. Stop for a quick look at the Santa Fe Trail Monument before setting out on trail.

Having completed the first 5.5 miles, stop for a picnic lunch at the Davisdale Conservation Area, which is a campground, but lacks running water and restrooms. So plan ahead and prepare!

4 miles farther on, you’ll come to downtown Rocheport. In the evening, head to Abigail’s for dinner, followed by a drink at the Rocheport General Store & Cafe to take in some live music.

If you’re interested in a short after-dinner stroll, take a walk to see the old MKT Logo painted on the bluffs near the edge of the river.

Spend the night at Diana Bend Conservation Area, a primitive campsite on the river delta. There are no facilities or water spigots here, so be sure to pack your filtration system to treat the river water and read up on waste management and other regulations. 

On the way out of town, you’ll pass through the Rocheport Tunnel, a historic railroad tunnel that was featured in the movie for Stephen King’s Sometimes They Come Back.

Total for the day: 9.5 miles, ending at marker 180

Day 2:

Break camp and head for the Meriwether Cafe and Bike Shop, where a stack of pancakes has your name on it. All of their ingredients are locally sourced, and these from-scratch recipes will make the morning so much brighter.

When you’re ready to hit the trail, make a pit stop at the Rocheport Trailhead to fill your water bottles and take advantage of the facilities. Then lace up those boots and get walking.

You can also drop by Les Bourgeois Winery & Bistro for brunch and a wine tasting. You’ll find them one mile west of Rocheport.

As you pass by, make sure to step off the trail and say hello to Edward ‘Ted’ Jones, who was instrumental in establishing the Katy Trail, and whose memorial marker lies alongside it near mile marker 178.

For lunch, there’s The Station House at Katfish Katy’s. Grab some hushpuppies and fish tacos and take in the views of the river.

When you’re back on the path and making tracks, keep your eyes peeled near mile marker 174.4 for some petroglyphs left by Native Americans. Look for them about 50 feet above the cave entrance.

Just off the trail near marker 170, down Burr Oak Road toward the river, you’ll find the oldest burr oak in the state of Missouri. Its massive trunk takes seven people holding hands to encircle it!

The McBaine Trailhead offers restrooms and potable water half a mile further on.

Pitch your tent at Cooper’s Landing, where the amenities are plentiful. Here you’ll find laundry facilities, showers, and cottonwood shade on the riverbank. Food trucks will sometimes set up shop at the landing, so keep an eye out! Tent sites are first-come, first-served.

Total for the day: 15 miles, ending at marker 163.5

Day 3:

Eat breakfast at your campsite prior to getting back on trail, stocking up on supplies from the Cooper’s Landing Store before heading out.

Crush the first 6.5 miles, and then take a break at the Riverview Traders General Store, where a cold drink will put some spring back in your step. Stop for a picnic lunch here if you’re feeling peckish.

Knock out the last 3.5 miles between you and Hartsburg, where dinner awaits. If dining out sounds good to you, try the Hitching Post Bar & Grill for an authentic river-town experience.

There are two camping options for the evening. Katyrest Caboose offers a few dispersed tent sites alongside the caboose itself, which is available for rent. There are shower facilities only in the train car. The other option is Volunteer Park, a collection of primitive campsites near the Hartsburg Trailhead. There are restroom facilities near the trailhead, where water from the sink can be treated for cooking and drinking. Time to sit back, relax, and celebrate. You’ve made it!

Total for the day: 10 miles, ending at marker 153.6

Paddle the Katy Trail:

Paddling on the mighty Missouri River is an adventure accessible to most people with the proper planning and gear. The river itself is very unlike most other Ozark waterways. If you capsize on the Current or upper Meramec, you can usually just wade to shore. That is not an option on the Missouri River, so please wear your life jacket at all times. Kayaks should be longer than 12 feet, and have flotation in the front and rear. Always check the weather reports and river levels before you get on the water. If you have any questions about the necessary skills or equipment, please contact a local paddling club, or one of the kayak instructors from Alpine Shop.

Day 1: 

Put in at the boat ramp at Riverfront Park in Hermann, MO.  There are actually two ramps, but we recommend using one on the right (as you face the river). Otherwise, you’ll need to paddle upstream to avoid the current pushing you into the second ramp.

The city of Hermann is especially picturesque from the river. Enjoy it while it lasts, because after only a few miles of paddling, you won’t see any evidence of civilization.

This first leg of your journey should be very relaxing. The sound of trains and traffic will be replaced by the sounds of birds, while houses and streets will become forest and gently rippling water. You may begin to get a sense of what the river looked like to Lewis and Clark.

After about fourteen miles, you should be able to see the town of New Haven, MO on the right.

After landing at the boat ramp in New Haven, walk up the levee. You’ll find five campsites with picnic tables and fire rings intended specifically for people packrafting the Missouri. Set up camp and start exploring the historic village.

Grab some pub grub at Duenke’s restaurant, and then walk over to Pinckney Bend Distillery to sample some of their fantastic whiskeys and gins.

Visit the Astral Glass Studio and Gallery to snag some goodies for the folks back home (or for yourself!) and then walk over to Paddle Stop New Haven. They build beautiful wood kayaks, canoes, and SUPs, and they LOVE to talk about the river.

In the evening, as you settle into your tent and listen to the river flowing past, try to picture how the town looked when its shores were lined with steamboats and its streets were full of carriages. Looking only at the river in the quiet Missouri night, it becomes easy to imagine.

New Haven was the home of the famous mountain man John Colter, of Lewis and Clark Expedition fame. Along the riverfront, you’ll see a few displays that detail some of his adventures.

Total for the day: 16 miles

Day 2:

Your second day on the river should be even more relaxing than the first. Don’t be surprised if you go the whole day without seeing other people.

If the river is low enough, stop for a picnic lunch on one of the sandbars.

When you arrive in Washington, you’ll see John G’s Bier Deck right across the parking lot. It’s a great place to sit on the deck and have a drink. While there are a bunch of places to eat right nearby, try walking a couple blocks upstream to get some awesome barbeque from Sugarfire.

As for as accomodation for the night, there are a number of B&Bs near the riverfront, or you can camp in the park by the boat ramp.

Total for the day: 13 miles

Day 3:

This will be the longest day of the trip, so try to get an early start.

As you leave Washington, paddle upstream 100 or so feet before merging into the current.

A few miles outside the city, you’ll see the smokestacks of the Labadie Power Plant in the distance. Across the river from the power plant is the boat ramp for Klondike County Park, and it’s a good place to stop for lunch.

As you leave Klondike, you’ll see the 300-foot bluffs of St. Albans a couple miles ahead. Along the base of the bluff is the famous Tavern Cave. Native Americans occupied the cave for thousands of years, followed by French and Spanish explorers. Lewis and Clark stopped at the cave in 1804 as they were traveling up the Missouri, and they stopped there again in 1806 on their way back to St. Louis.

The bluff continues for a couple miles along the river to Howell Island. Take out at Weldon Spring Conservation Area, which is on the left across from the island.

Total for the day: 19 miles

Most paddlers know that the shuttle is the most logistically difficult part of any kayak trip. Fortunately, there are a couple folks who can help take you back to your vehicle after your adventure. Before setting out, contact Tony at the Bike Stop Cafe in St. Charles, or Shane at Paddle Stop New Haven to see if they can help with your return trip.

There you have it—some highlights of the Katy Trail. Don’t be surprised, however, if you discover some hidden gems along the way. Missouri is full of them, so get out there! Before you leave, make sure to gear up at Alpine Shop, where we’re ready to help you get a good night’s sleep out on the trail. It’ll make all the difference.

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