MKT Trail
The MKT Nature and Fitness Trail is a recreational rail trail in Columbia, Missouri, that runs in the right-of-way of the former Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad. Developed from 1982 onward, it is a spur of the longest rail trail in the United States, the Katy Trail. It is open for use by hikers, joggers, and cyclists year-round, from sunrise to sunset, with snow covering in the winter offering users cross-country skiing opportunities. The trail is made up of "limestone pug", creating a hard, flat surface. The trail follows Flat Branch Creek and Hinkson Creek for much of their distance and is part of a larger system of recreational pathways in the Columbia Metropolitan Area.Overview
The MKT Trail is a multi-use recreational linear trail following part of the former right-of-way of the Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad. The trail has been repurposed for non-motorized public use including walking, cycling and running; it provides a green corridor through urban and semi-urban landscapes and connects communities and recreational areas along its route.History
After the MKT Railroad abandoned parts of its corridor, local authorities in several communities began efforts to convert disused rail-lines into recreational trails. In one example, a stretch known locally as the MKT Trail was established following the acquisition of the former railway right-of-way. Over time, the corridor was redeveloped, with rail-to-trail conversion work, infrastructure adaptation, and successive expansion phases. The MKT Trail is considered one of the earlier rail-to-trail conversions in its region, reflecting the broader national movement to reuse disused rail infrastructure for public recreation.Route and Geography
The MKT Trail roughly follows the alignment of the former railroad corridor, traversing mixed terrain including creek valleys, wooded areas, suburban zones, and sections of urban centers. The original gentle grades of the railroad mean that the trail is relatively flat or gently sloping, which enhances accessibility for a broad user base. Along the trail, natural features such as tree cover, waterways, and vegetated buffer zones contribute to its appeal as a scenic and environmentally pleasant recreational route.Design and Infrastructure
Sections of the trail feature a hard-packed or compacted surface suitable for walking, running, and cycling. In urban segments, paving or stabilized surfaces are used to accommodate heavier usage; underpasses or bridges may have been added where the original railroad crossed busy roads to enhance safety. Trailheads with amenities such as parking or access points are established at strategic locations, and signage or markers help orient users. Green buffers adjacent to the trail help preserve natural habitat, reduce noise, and provide separation from developed areas.Ecology and Environment
Because the trail often follows former rail corridors that run through or alongside creek valleys and semi-natural woodlands, it serves as a green corridor that supports local flora and fauna. The presence of woodland patches, riparian zones, and vegetated buffers offers habitat continuity in landscapes otherwise fragmented by urban or suburban development. The trail’s vegetated areas contribute to ecosystem services such as storm-water absorption, shading, and mitigation of urban heat-island effects.Usage
The MKT Trail is used by a variety of people: walkers, joggers, cyclists, families — both for daily exercise and leisure. Its relatively smooth surface and gentle topography make it accessible year-round. Because of its connectivity to larger trail networks or adjacent parks/greenways, it attracts both local residents and visitors. Some segments are particularly popular for casual recreation, commuting, or long-distance cycling.Management and Administration
Management responsibility for the MKT Trail typically lies with local governments, sometimes in cooperation with non-profit “friends of the trail” groups or community organizations. Funding for maintenance, surface upkeep, and public amenities may come from municipal budgets or grants targeted at promoting non-motorized transport and recreation. Maintenance tasks include surface maintenance, signage, landscaping, and inspections for safety and environmental preservation.Safety and Regulations
Trail regulations generally restrict use to non-motorized activities, prohibit motor vehicles, and set rules for pets, hours of use, and trail etiquette. Safety infrastructure such as clear signage, underpasses or overpasses at busy road intersections, adequate lighting, drainage control, and emergency access points help make the trail usable and safe under a variety of conditions.Future Developments
Planned improvements to the MKT Trail may include surface upgrades to ensure durability and all-weather usability, expansion of trail length to connect additional neighborhoods or towns, enhanced amenities such as rest areas, restrooms, and water points, improved signage and way-finding, ecological restoration along the corridor, and stronger integration with other regional greenway or trail networks to promote sustainable transportation and recreation.