The Complete Katy Trail Guidebook (Show Me Series) [Paperback]

Brett Dufur (Author)

Book Description

Series: Show Me Series | Publication Date: August 2002

This guidebook covers the many distinctive towns along Missouri's 200-mile-long Katy Trail as it follows the Missouri River and passes through the world's 'breadbasket' of agriculture and Missouri's legendary wine country. This guidebook includes handy service information for each town, maps, photographs and features of some one-of-a-kind individuals you'll meet along the way. Whether you're biking the trail, hiking it, or travelling from town to town by car, this guidebook is the perfect resource for every traveller. Longer stories are also included for rainy-day armchair odysseys. If you've ever wondered which goddess adorns our capitol, or wanted to make blueberry wine, or pondered the many uses for Missouri mud, this book is for you.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Dufur seems to have picked up a few pointers from William Least Heat Moon, whose "Blue Highways" and "PrairyErth" achieve depth through historical anecdotes and colorful character descriptions . . . For day-trippers as well as long-distance bikers and hikers, the Katy Trail Guidebook is a worthwhile investment. They will do well to make room for it in an easily accessible pocket." -- Christopher Ryan, Ozark Sierran

"Dufur's guide gives a feel for the towns with his insightful descriptions and photographs. He uses imagery to portray what is to be found there." -- Veronica Del Real, Missourian Weekend

"Dufur, a reporter by schooling, has an eye for stories. . . . And after a long jaunt through Latin America, he knows the value of a good guidebook. " -- Lisa Groshong, Columbia Daily Tribune

"The Katy Trail Guidebook is a 'must have' for anyone interested in our Missouri heritage. The book is more than a guidebook for bicyclists and walkers

. . . it is also an insightful look at the history of the Katy Railroad and the many small communities that grew up along the railroad."

- Franklin McMillan -- Antioch Publication

"The guidebook is readable, thorough and permeated with a tone of infectious mirth." -- R. C. Adams, Boone County Journal

"Where most guidebook authors finish, Dufur is just getting warmed up. . . . This book contains fun facts not even a history teacher would know." -- Chuck MacDonald, St. Louis Times

About the Author

Brett Dufur is a Missouri-born journalist. Having spent the last few years travelling extensively in Latin America, he has returned to the Midwest and has recently received his degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. "The saying 'You travel the world only to return and se your home for the first time' really rings true for me," he said. "This project has opened my eyes to a richness I had previously overlooked." Brett spends his off-hours getting tangled up in words, traveling and exploring with his girlfriend, Tawnee, and his dog, Daisy.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Pebble Pub; 8 Rev Upd edition (August 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964662507
• ISBN-13: 978-0964662506
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #307,643 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #47 in Books > Travel > United States > Regions > Central

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An excellent guide to the Katy, June 21, 2000

By 

Patrick Harrington (At Sea) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Katy Trail Guidebook (Show Me Series) (Paperback)

I have only seen two other guide books devoted to Missouri's Katy Trail, but this one is hands-down the best. It covers the Katy from west to east and has a wealth of historical information on the towns along the trail. There is also a fold-out map of the trail and a table of mileages between points along the trail. Good information is given on services available along the trail. The only serious criticism I have of the book is that I'd like to see more detail given to the directions for getting to the trail from I-70 at each access point along the trail.

Overall, this is an excellent trail guide to the Katy Trail and an excellent book in general.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Biking Missouri's "Big" Rail-Trail, August 30, 2003

By 

Shawn Richardson (Columbus, Ohio) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Katy Trail Guidebook (Show Me Series) (Paperback)

I liked the Complete Katy Trail Guide Book so much that I recommended Brett Dufurs book in my Biking Missouri's Rail-Trails guidebook!!! Brett's book was an excellent companion for me to carry in my front bike bag as I biked my one week journey across the "Show Me" state from St. Charles to Clinton. This book also really helped me out in my planning for this trip; Especially the restaurants and the overnight stays. The "sag service" information was also very helpful in my plans to return back from point B to point A, not to mention, the information to making my Amtrack reservations. This book is a must for any cyclist who wants to make a multi-day visit to the Katy Trail State Park.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very valueable, December 11, 2004

By 

K. Schuette (Troy, IL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Katy Trail Guidebook (Show Me Series) (Paperback)

I used this book on two seperate trips on the Katy trail from end to end. I used the 5th addition in 2000 when cycling from St. Charles to Clinton, and the 6th addition in 2003 when cycling from Clinton to St. Charles.

This book is great for planning out your itinerary before your trip. It includes, campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, resturaunts, motels, bike shops, contact information, and more. There is also stories, history, tidbits of information, and suggestions for side trips that will add to the experience. There is also a section that lists that answers to frequently asked questions about the trail and planning a trip.

Businesses along the trail come and go, so it is best to have the most up-to-date version of this guidebook with you. Also, be sure to stop at Bret Dufer's bookstore in Rocheport. There, you can meet that author, and find many interesting books.