What happens when communities come together around a shared vision? In Missouri, the answer can be found along hundreds of miles of trails that connect people, places, and possibilities.
At the heart of the The Trail State documentary is Missouri's 237-mile Katy Trail, a former railroad corridor transformed into a nationally recognized asset that links communities across the state. Its success has inspired a new generation of trail projects, from the grassroots-driven Rock Island Trail in the Kansas City region to St. Louis's Brickline Greenway, demonstrating how trails can spark investment, strengthen local identity, and bring people together.
Through these stories, The Trail State explores how Missouri is leading the way in showing that trails are far more than recreational amenities. They serve as economic engines for towns and businesses, conservation tools that protect natural landscapes, and gathering places that foster stronger, more connected communities.
When the 1986 flood brought an end to the old MKT railroad, Missouri faced a pivotal choice. Rather than allowing the corridor to be sold off piece by piece, a vision championed by Ted and Pat Jones, supported through legislative action and sustained by decades of community commitment, helped transform it into the longest developed rail-trail in the nation. The Trail State follows this remarkable journey from Machens to Clinton and continues onto the Rock Island Trail, where the next chapter is still unfolding.
Produced by Once Films and directed by Chris Ryan, the executive producers are Dan Burkhardt, Zach Tucker, and Chris Ryan.
Watch The Trail State on Nine PBS
Premieres October 12 at 7 pm on Nine PBS. Encore broadcasts air Wednesday, October 14 at 1 pm, Monday, November 2 at 7 pm, and Wednesday, November 4 at 1 pm, Viewers can also livestream the documentary during broadcast windows and stream it anytime online below or on the PBS app with Nine PBS Passport.
Contributed by Lynanne Feilen, communications manager
