Brett Dufur

Brett Dufur, a Kansas City-born writer, is renowned for his guidebooks to Missouri's Katy Trail and Rock Island Trail, the state's two longest rails-to-trails projects. His guidebooks have been popular for more than 30 years, providing valuable insights into Missouri's rivers, trails and outdoor adventures.

--- The Katy Trail ---

Missouri’s Katy Trail State Park spans 240 miles, making it the longest rails-to-trails project in the U.S. This cross-state bike path stretches from Kansas City to the St. Louis area. Brett Dufur's guidebook helps daytrippers and long-distance cyclists explore the entire trail.

"Riding the whole Katy Trail is an Everyman’s Everest," Dufur said. "With proper planning, anyone can do it... Cyclists travel from all over the United States to come and explore what Missouri’s Katy Trail is all about."

Dufur's "The Complete Katy Trail Guidebook" is now in its 11th edition, featuring thorough information on services, towns, history, and more along the trail. This guidebook offers valuable details for each town along the 240-mile trail, which follows the Missouri River through agriculture country and Missouri’s wine region. It provides maps, photographs, and service information, catering to bikers, hikers, and car travelers. It even includes longer stories for rainy-day reading.

“Missouri really couldn’t ask for a better 240-mile welcome mat to share what Missouri hospitality is all about. The trail weaves through so many small towns and gorgeous stretches of Missouri River valley scenery, along bluffs, Missouri River views, old railroad towns and more. For nature lovers and history lovers, it really can’t be beat,” he said.

The 200-page guidebook contains mileage charts, a fold-out map, close to 100 photos, and information on sites, stops, and towns along the trail. For those interested in nature along the trail, Dufur’s companion book, "The Katy Trail Nature Guide," answers many "What's That?" questions with a handy one-volume format.

--- New Release --- The Complete Rock Island Trail Guidebook: Past, Present & Future ---

Brett Dufur's new guidebook to Missouri's Rock Island Trail follows up on the legacy of his Katy Trail Guidebook. His new guidebook takes you into the heart of Rock Island Trail country! This 256-page guidebook to Missouri's Rock Island Trail highlights the trail starting in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium and follows the trail on to Pleasant Hill, the westernmost trailhead of the Rock Island Trail State Park, which then meanders to meet up with the Katy Trail at Windsor.

"Writing and researching this guidebook has been a labor of love for me for more than 5 years," said Brett. "I've seen first-hand how incredibly positive the Katy Trail has been for rural Missouri, and I'm beyond thrilled for the future that awaits visitors and towns alike on the Rock Island... This is no 'Katy Trail 2.0'... rather, the Rock Island has an incredibly rich history and I'm so excited to share the stories of these small towns with new readers - whether they are itching to bike it in pieces or just enjoy the travelogue as an armchair odyssey. I think there's something here that will resonate with anyone who loves exploring Missouri's history, small towns and backroads."

Brett's guidebook includes both the currently open stretches of Rock Island Trail, as well as historical and modern-day deep dives on all of the other towns slated for future development. The book is half guidebook to existing trail and half guidebook to the future sections slated for development.

"I highly encourage folks to thumb through these pages, find a new town to explore and see what it has to offer... numerous adventures await!"

--- New Release --- Endless River: River & Nature Poetry ---

In addition to guidebooks, Brett Dufur recently released a poetry collection titled "Endless River," which celebrates the beauty of Missouri River country across all four seasons. This poetry book explores themes of nature, family, and life through poetic imagery. Readers are drawn into the cycles of life, with poignant and captivating verse.

The collection has been described as a journey through the seasons of life, exploring the power and structure of the river and its connection to humanity.

"In Endless River, Dufur anchors us firmly to the physical Midwest — Missouri’s rivers, woods, trails, and rainstorms — while zigzagging down its unworldly streams of ancestral ghosts, fatherhood, and the hallelujah sounds found in the siftings of gravel bars. In lines like, ‘We were born in the great middle spaces / in the belly of a timeless hummingbird / already in flight,’ Dufur steps forward in the long, honorable tradition of river poets and songwriters before him." — Elijah Burrell, author of three poetry books, most recently Skies of Blur

--- Author Brett Dufur's Writing Style & Reviews ---

Of Brett’s writing style, the St. Louis Times wrote: “Where most guidebook authors finish, Brett is just getting warmed up... This book contains fun facts not even a history teacher would know…”

"An excellent guide to the Katy... I have seen another guidebook devoted to Missouri's Katy Trail, but this one is hands-down the best. It covers the Katy from west to east and has a wealth of historical information on the towns along the trail. There is also a fold-out map of the trail and a table of mileages between points along the trail. Good information is given on services available along the trail. Overall, this is an excellent trail guide to the Katy Trail and an excellent book in general..." Patrick Harrington

"Brett seems to have picked up a few pointers from William Least Heat Moon, whose Blue Highways and PrairyErth achieve depth through historical anecdotes and colorful character descriptions... For day-trippers as well as long-distance bikers and hikers, the Katy Trail Guidebook is a worthwhile investment..." Ozark Sierran

"Brett, a journalist by schooling, has an eye for stories... And after a long jaunt through Latin America, he knows the value of a good guidebook..." Columbia Daily Tribune

"The Katy Trail Guidebook is a ‘must have’ for anyone interested in our Missouri heritage. The book is more than a guidebook for bicyclists and walkers…it is also an insightful look at the history of the Katy Railroad and the many small communities that grew up along the railroad..." Antioch Publication

--- Conclusion ---

Brett Dufur's work as an author and guide has made a significant impact on Missouri's trails and nature. His guidebooks are essential for anyone exploring the Katy Trail and Rock Island Trail, and his poetry collection offers a unique and lyrical perspective on Missouri's natural beauty. Whether planning a biking trip or seeking poetic inspiration, Dufur's books are a valuable resource.