
Matson Trailhead
Matson, MO
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St. Charles County
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Check the Weather
Matson, MO
|
St. Charles County
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|
Check the Weather
Milepost
60.6
60.6
Milepost
6
Things to Do
4
Events
0
Alerts & Advisories
About Matson Trailhead
The town of Matson was established when a post office by the same name was established in 1893. It is believed that the town was named after Abraham Matson, a pioneer citizen. It was in the Matson area that Daniel Boone and his sons platted the town of Missouriton. Across the river is Tavern Cave.
Matson is located within the section of the Katy Trail known as the Weinstrasse, or “wine road,” which stretches from Defiance to Marthasville. It is named for the cluster of wineries along this part of the trail.
Several interesting stories originate in Matson. For instance, less than two miles from Matson is the town of Defiance, which received its name after preventing Matson from having the only nearby rail stop.
You’ll also find the Daniel Boone Judgment Tree across 94 from the Matson trailhead. The Judgment Tree is where Daniel Boone held court from 1800 to 1804 when he was the Spanish Syndic for the Femme Osage District.
Finally, the Femme Osage Creek was reportedly named by a French settler who encountered a dead Osage woman in the creek.
Off the Trail:
Access services in Defiance one block off the trail in the downtown area, adjacent to trail parking on Hwy. 94. A paved trail spur takes trail users into Defiance.
At mile marker 61.6 you will see the Sunflower Farm’s Silos and butterfly art installation. There is also a trail there that takes you up to their restaurant.
Points of Interest:
57.4 Femme Osage Creek
59.1 Defiance
60.6 Matson (1838)
63.0 St. Charles County Parks boat access
63.2 Natural sandstone arch
64.1 Klondike Park
64.3 Labadie coal-burning power plant
Things to Do and See
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Address
Matson, MO
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Phone
Office Phone:
573-449-7402
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Hours
Park Grounds
Sunrise to sunset
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Distance From the Matson Trailhead
Scroll through the trailheads below to calculate the distance from the Matson Trailhead. Click on a trailhead to get details about that trailhead.
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Available Services
Bike Service
KATY Bike Rental & Defiance Outfitters
Matson, MO
KATY Bike Rental & Defiance Outfitters Website
Milepost 60.6
Parking
Klondike Park
Matson, MO
Klondike Park Website
Milepost 60.6
Matson Trailhead
Matson, MO
Milepost 60.6
Sugar Creek Winery and Vineyards
Matson, MO
Sugar Creek Winery and Vineyards Website
Milepost 60.6
KATY Bike Rental & Defiance Outfitters
Matson, MO
KATY Bike Rental & Defiance Outfitters Website
Milepost 60.6
Restroom
Klondike Park
Matson, MO
Klondike Park Website
Milepost 60.6
Matson Trailhead
Matson, MO
Milepost 60.6
Sugar Creek Winery and Vineyards
Matson, MO
Sugar Creek Winery and Vineyards Website
Milepost 60.6
KATY Bike Rental & Defiance Outfitters
Matson, MO
KATY Bike Rental & Defiance Outfitters Website
Milepost 60.6
Parks Nearby
Alerts & Advisories (28)
Increased construction in the area due to roadwork. Use caution on Katy Rd and County Rd 391.
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Please be aware of erosion at Little Bonne Femme Creek - fencing is in place.
Rough surface and mud over trail in some places due to recent flooding. Please slow down and use caution!
All Trailhead Hours
Park Grounds
Sunrise to sunset
2025-2026 State Holidays
On the following days (actual or observed), staff will not be available and park buildings will be closed: Thanksgiving Day; Nov. 28, 2025; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve; New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Lincoln’s Birthday; and Washington's Birthday.








