Rocheport to McBaine

Rocheport to McBaine. . Traveling east along Katy Trail State Park, the next trailhead is McBaine, 8.8 miles away. Beyond Rocheport depot, the Manitou Bluffs tower above the trail to the left, while the Missouri River runs to the right. Benches dot this section of trail, offering visitors a chance to relax or enjoy the birds, other animals and plants. At milepost 176.8, the trail passes under Interstate 70. In the summer, several species of swallows fly around the bridge catching insects. In winter, watch for bald eagles. , Some of the plants found in this area include trumpet creeper, touch-me-not, poison ivy, bittersweet, ironweed, poke and blackberries. In the summer, listen for indigo buntings and watch for hummingbirds visiting the trumpet creeper flowers growing along the bluffs. , Around milepost 174.4. Torbett Spring exits from Lewis and Clark Cave on the bluff side of the trail. Please don't enter this cave – it is on private property and is home to endangered bats. While here, look up and to the left of the cave. Partway up the bluff are the remains of Native American pictographs. , At milepost 171.7, the trail passes the town of Huntsdale and into a Missouri River bottomland. Just before reaching McBaine, an 8.8-mile spur trail on the left – the MKT Nature and Fitness Trail – leads to Columbia. , [Captions] , . A variety of wildflowers can be seen along the trail, including (back to front) trumpet creeper, touch-me-not and passion flower. , . Milepost 172.9 The Lewis and Clark Expedition camped a short distance upriver from here on June 6, 1804. , . Milepost 174.4 Remains of Native American pictographs are still visible on the limestone bluff. , . Milepost 177.5 The railroad's former explosives storage bunker is built into a bluff shelter, now on private property. , . Milepost 177.9 A monument to Edward D. “Ted” Jones commemorates his contributions to Katy Trail State Park.