Watch for great blue herons, sandpipers, Canada geese and belted kingfishers. Katy Trail State Park also takes users through a slice of rural history as it meanders through the small towns that once thrived along the railroad corridor. These communities make great places to stop and explore during a ride on the trail. Although the scenery often changes, the trail remains fairly level and constant as it meanders through the countryside. Trail heads, which provide parking areas and other amenities, are located periodically along the trail.
Many communities also offer services to trail users.
The section of trail between St. Charles and Boonville has been designated as an official segment of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail , and the entire trail is part of the American Discovery Trail . The trail also has been designated as a Milennium Legacy Trail .