You can walk through a 240-foot former train tunnel on the Katy Trail in Rocheport, Mo., which is about 20 miles west of Columbia, Mo.
Rocheport is located about 12 miles west of Columbia, Mo., just off Interstate 70 before it crosses the Missouri River.
The town has a historic district with 19-century frame and brick buildings. Near the trail are restaurants, bed and breakfasts, shops, and wineries.
Yet, we were here for a short hike to the tunnel.
OUR TIME HERE
David, I and my son Andrew walked 1.5 miles with 140 feet of elevation gain. We walked through the tunnel and then hiked on trails at the adjacent Diana Ben Conservation Area.
Start of the Hike
From the trailhead, the crushed limestone path goes through the town of Rocheport along First Street. We headed to the west along the trail towards the tunnel.
We stopped briefly to check out the River Gnome sculpture which is like a white man with a dark wooden head holding a stick.
Then we came to a red metal railing bridge crossing Moniteau Creek and on the other side is the former train tunnel.
By the bridge is an informational sign that talks about explorers Lewis and Clark stopping here on June 7, 1804. They came across Native American pictographs that were once on the bluffs.
After reading the sign we entered the tunnel.
Tunnel
The start of the tunnel is cut rock and then it narrows to cut limestone walls and ceiling.
It is somewhat dark in the middle before you come out.
After the Tunnel
Along the rock cut on the backside, we found huge icicles. I walked a little further down to a small muddy look out to the river valley and then we all turned around back through the tunnel.
Footnote: The tunnel was used as a filming location for the Stephen King Movie Sometimes They Come Back
If only walk through the tunnel and back on the Katy Trail it is a little over a mile walk.
Diana Bend Trail Start
Back near where we entered the tunnel and bordering Moniteau Creek a natural surface trail goes to the south.
This trail follows the bluff and then comes to the Diana Bend Conservation Area information sign near the boardwalk section.
You can find maps of the conservation area in a wooden box here.
Along the boardwalk, we come to a sign explaining the importance of a wetland and how it provides nourishment for many migrating birds.
You can walk further along the boardwalk to the right to duck blind.
Uphill Walk
Behind the boardwalk are steps leading up the hill above the tunnel.
This is a strenuous hike that is almost straight up. It is rocky and the trail has low spots where water flows downhill. Watch your step.
As you walk up you gain views of the river valleys and surrounding evergreens.
At the top, the trail goes in two directions. One way to a lookout and the other going above the tunnel and away from the river valley. We went to a lookout slightly downhill.
You come to an overlook with views of the river and hills in the far distance.
A sign to the right of the lookout talks about the Missouri River, how it goes a distance of 2,315 miles, and how floods provide spawning grounds for fish.
The trail going away from the river leads to another trail and a parking area along Spur 240 Highway.
We retraced our steps back down to the front of the tunnel and the Katy Trail.
Final Thoughts
The highlight is the tunnel. Although I also enjoyed the lookout in the Diane Bend Conservation Area. If we come back we might walk along the Katy Trail in the other direction to the white bluffs near Interstate 70. NOTE: Construction work is being done on a new Interstate 70 bridge, be aware of possible closures.
DETAILS
Drive: Take Interstate 70 west out of the St. Louis Area then take exit 115 and make a right onto Missouri Highway BB. In Rocheport make a left onto North Pike Street and then another left onto First Street and look for parking here.
Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
Address:
703 1st St, Rocheport, MO 65279
NEARBY HIKE
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park Hike
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park allows hikers to scramble through caves and see a rock bridge and sinkholes.
MORE CENTRAL MISSOURI HIKES
Grand Bluffs: Hiking High Above The Missouri River
A view from 300-foot high bluffs, some of the highest along the Missouri River, awaits you at Grand Bluffs Conservation Area near Hermann, Mo.
Dad Hikes: Prehistoric Graham Cave State Park
Graham Cave State Park is right off Interstate 70 and is a hike into ancient history. Hiking through the park you walk in the footsteps of hunter-gathers thousands of years ago who found shelter in Graham Cave.
