Katy Trail State Park

The Katy Trail State Park is based on a former railway line of the Missouri - Kansas - Texas Railroad on a route length of 360 km in the U.S. state of Missouri. The section along the Missouri River between St. Charles and Boonville is an official part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, and the entire route is a part of the American Discovery Trail. In addition, he holds the rank of Millennium Legacy Trail. The State Park cutting across the St. Charles County, Jefferson County, Warren County, the Montgomery County, Callaway County, the Cooper County, Pettis County and the Henry County.

Adjust with the decision of the railway company, railway operation between making in St. Charles County and Sedalia in Pettis County in 1986, the chance came an extraordinary recreation area for walkers and cyclists to make. In April 1990, the first section was opened with six and a half kilometers in length. By 1991, more former railway kilometers from the Union Pacific Railroad could be connected complement and be placed under the administration of the Department of Natural Resources. The name Katy is derived from the English pronunciation of the abbreviated letters K and T.

The majority follows the course of the Missouri River and so the riverside with its flora and fauna are often in sight. Various landscapes with dense forests, wetlands, deep valleys, remnants of the prairie, pasture and farmland take turns. In spring blooming dogwood species and Judas trees, while the red-orange - yellow color spectrum of autumn foliage of sugar maple and various Rhus species dominate half a year later. Chickadees, nuthatches, thrushes, orioles and various woodpeckers are frequently encountered.

Red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures often fly over the area and bald eagles occur as winter visitors. The obvious Missouri also attracts water birds and migratory birds. Canada herons, Canada geese, Waders and belted kingfisher can be seen on the water.