MKT Trail | Kansas City

MKT Nature and Fitness Trail – Complete Detailed Guide
Location: Columbia, Missouri
Length: ~9 miles
Trail Type: Rail-to-trail conversion (multi-use path)
Connects To: Katy Trail State Park at McBaine, Missouri

Overview and Significance

The MKT Nature and Fitness Trail-commonly called the MKT Trail-is a scenic, nearly flat, multi-use trail that runs southwest from downtown Columbia through forested corridors and wetland areas, ending at the rural town of McBaine, where it merges seamlessly with the Katy Trail, one of the longest rail trails in the U.S.

The name “MKT” derives from the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, often abbreviated as "K-T" or “Katy.” This historic spur line once carried freight and passengers between Columbia and the main railroad line at McBaine. After the railroad was abandoned in the 1970s, the corridor was repurposed into one of Missouri’s earliest rails-to-trails conversions, spearheaded by the City of Columbia in the 1980s.

Today, it is both a popular commuter path for residents and students, and a nature retreat for runners, cyclists, birdwatchers, and families.

Route and Terrain

Trailheads:

Flat Branch Park (North Terminus): Located near downtown Columbia, this is the official beginning of the trail.

McBaine (South Terminus): Where the MKT Trail connects directly to the Katy Trail, allowing access to hundreds of additional miles.

Trail Surface:
Primarily made of crushed limestone (limestone pug) which provides a hard-packed, smooth surface suitable for:

Walking and running

Hybrid and gravel bikes

Wheelchairs and strollers

Occasional winter cross-country skiing

Grade & Elevation:
Nearly flat throughout, with an average 1–2% grade, typical of railroad beds. This makes it accessible for users of nearly all fitness levels.

Natural Scenery and Environment

The MKT Trail is recognized for its lush, natural beauty. As you leave the urban setting of Columbia, the trail winds through a series of diverse environments:

Flat Branch Creek (urban): Passes through the arts district and university neighborhoods.

Forest corridors: Dense trees on either side of the trail offer shade in warmer months and brilliant color in autumn.

Wetlands and lowland areas: Home to cattails, turtles, frogs, and waterfowl, especially near the Forum Nature Area and Perche Creek.

Open fields and farmland: As the trail approaches McBaine, the scenery opens up to Missouri River bottomland, offering wide horizons and prairie-style views.

Wildlife commonly seen includes deer, squirrels, owls, hawks, woodpeckers, and seasonal songbirds.

Trailheads and Amenities

Several well-equipped access points are located along the route:

Flat Branch Park:

Parking

Art installations and murals

Picnic areas

Restrooms (nearby)

Ideal for beginning or ending trips, especially for those visiting downtown Columbia

MLK Jr. Memorial at Stadium Blvd:

Sculptural memorial

Trail maps and interpretive signage

Seasonal restrooms

Water fountains

Bike racks

Forum Nature Area:

Wooden wetland overlook

Year-round restrooms

Bike pump and repair station

Parking and trail loop connector

Scott Blvd Trailhead:

Soccer field

Full parking lot

Seasonal water and toilets

One of the most popular starting points for casual cyclists

McBaine Trailhead:

Direct connection to Katy Trail

Gravel parking lot

Vault toilets

Scenic access to the Missouri River floodplain and McBaine Bur Oak, a 400+ year-old tree nearby

Activities and Use

Cycling

Most popular activity on the trail

Hybrid, touring, and gravel bikes are ideal

Smooth enough for road bikes in dry conditions

Cyclists often use the trail to connect to longer rides along the Katy Trail

Walking and Running

Preferred by both casual walkers and serious runners

Shaded paths and multiple water stops make it excellent for distance training

Safe and away from traffic

Wildlife Observation and Birding

Wetlands and creeks attract a wide range of birds (herons, red-winged blackbirds, ducks)

Benches and quiet spots allow for nature viewing and photography

Winter Recreation

Occasionally used for cross-country skiing after snowfall

Trail remains open year-round, though amenities like restrooms and fountains may close seasonally

Trail Connections and Extensions

The MKT Trail serves as a major feeder route into the Katy Trail State Park, which stretches over 240 miles across Missouri from Machens to Clinton. Through this connection, users can:

Travel southeast along the Missouri River corridor

Access small historic towns like Rocheport and Boonville

Link up with other trails like the Rock Island Trail, forming part of Missouri’s expanding statewide trail network

Locally, the MKT Trail also connects to:

Columbia’s Bear Creek Trail

Grindstone Trail

The University of Missouri’s campus

Numerous neighborhood trails and bike lanes

Events and Cultural Importance

Earth Day and Eco Walks: Hosted along the trail by local environmental organizations

MKT Fitness Challenge: Encourages residents to walk, run, or bike the full trail

History Walks: Occasional guided events highlight the railroad’s history and Columbia’s development

The trail has also played a symbolic role in community planning-marking Columbia’s commitment to sustainability, public health, and green transportation.

Trail Etiquette and Safety Tips

Stay to the right; pass on the left with a verbal “On your left”

Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed; waste stations are available at trailheads

No motorized vehicles (except official maintenance or accessible mobility devices)

Helmet use strongly encouraged for cyclists

Water is available at most major trailheads (except in winter)

When to Visit

Spring and Fall are best for temperature and scenery

Summer brings lush greenery, but can be humid-shade helps significantly

Winter is quiet and peaceful; snow is rare but transforms the trail into a white corridor

Conclusion

The MKT Trail is more than just a recreational path-it is a green spine running through Columbia, offering a peaceful, accessible, and historic route for exploration, fitness, and connection to one of the most ambitious trail systems in the Midwest. Whether you’re a local commuting across town, a traveler riding the full Katy Trail, or a family out for a short walk, the MKT Trail invites you into a natural world shaped by both railroad history and community care.