New Franklin to Rocheport

New Franklin to Rocheport. . The distance to the next trailhead at Rocheport is 9.90 miles. Traveling east, the trail is tree or bluff-lined with views of the agricultural landscape. Bonne Femme Creek at milepost 183.8 is the first bridge crossing for Katy travelers heading to Rocheport. The Lewis and Clark Expedition camped at the old mouth of this creek on June 7, 1804. Capt. William Clark called it “Good Womans River.” Capt. Meriwether Lewis and two men paddled partway up the Bonne Femme. , The former site of Pearsons at milepost 184.5 has a panorama of cropfields and the remains of an old tile grain elevator. Davisdale Conservation Area (milepest 182.1) offers primitive camping, hiking, picnicking, hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. Starting at milepost 180, Diana Bend Conservation Area gives Katy Trail visitors an opportunity to visit a wetland. , At milepost 178.9 is the one and only tunnel on the former Missouri, Kansas and Texas line (MKT). The blackened ceiling stands as a reminder of the trains that passed through this tunnel from 1893 to 1986. Trail users should note the outstanding stonework. The tunnel is in the National Register of Historic Places. , Just past the tunnel, to the right around the bluff, is the Diana Bend Conservation Area overlook. The Katy Trail crosses Moniteau Creek before entering Rocheport. , [Captions, east to west] , . Milepost 187.8 The bridge over Boone Femme Creek is about 150 feet long. It was built in 1897. , . Milepost 186.6-186.1 Scenic views are found along this section of trail. , . Milepost 184.5 The town of Pearsons had at least one store during its heyday. Now, just this old clay-tile grain elevator remains, the only one along the Katy. This elevator is on private property. , . Milepost 180-178.9 Diana Bend Conservation Area borders the trail. , . Milepost 178.9 This picturesque, cut-stone arched tunnel was built in 1892-93 and is 243 feet long. It was the only tunnel on the MKT line.