The Paddy Creek Trail is one mile long and begins and ends at the Paddy Creek Recreation Area. The area borders the eastern edge of Paddy Creek Wilderness and is one of three trailheads for the Big Piney Trail.
Trails, Wilderness, and Water
The Big Piney Trail in Paddy Creek Wilderness stretches for about 18 miles and has an elevation change of 500 feet. This makes it considerably longer than the one-mile Paddy Creek Trail. Check the condition and markings of the Big Piney Trail before setting out. Dispersed camping is allowed along the Paddy Creek Trail and in the Paddy Creek Wilderness Area; check the current use regulations before your trip. The Paddy Creek Recreation Area has 18 campsites. Since the number may change, check it before booking or arriving.
Emmett Kelly Park in Houston also has a one-mile walking trail that follows Brushy Creek. The Paddy Creek Trail is described as beginning and ending at the recreation area; along the park trail, the creek runs beside the route. Roby Lake has a picnic and day-use area, as well as two hiking trails. Fishing for bass is also possible in the five-acre lake. Check the current fishing regulations before fishing.
The Big Piney River offers another kind of fishing: the best way to fish it is slowly, from a canoe or a small river jon boat. The options described therefore vary by body of water and means of transportation, without requiring a particular order of activities.
Architecture and History in Houston
The Houston Ranger Station Historic District in Houston, Texas County, consists of five frame and limestone buildings. The Lynchburg Camp of the Civilian Conservation Corps built them in 1936 and 1937. Its significance under Criterion A lies in its association with the USDA Forest Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s. Criterion C recognizes the district as an example of the National Forest Service’s emphasis at the time on “rustic” architectural designs.
The main building of Houston High School, built in 1921, tells a different story of construction. The building used 200,000 bricks made from clay mined in the county and fired at the local Houston Brick & Tile works. The interior framing and floors are made of locally harvested oak and pine. Under Criterion A, the school is significant for local educational and social history. By contrast, the two historical themes focus on different aspects: the connection between forest management and architectural design on the one hand, and education and social history on the other.
A Brewery, Taproom, and a Cultural Event
Piney River Brewing Company is located on a 160-acre farm in the unincorporated community of Bucyrus in Texas County. The BARn Taproom offers pints or tasting flights of Piney River beers, along with handmade pizza and pretzels. Check opening hours and food availability before your visit. At the taproom, ask the bartender about a tour of the brewhouse.
One specific cultural event is Emmett Kelly Day on April 24, 2027, in Houston, Missouri. The day honors the late clown Emmett Kelly, who gained international renown through the circus, television, and film.
More Destinations
Explore more destinations: Licking, Cabool, St Louis, Washington County, Clinton County, Christian County, Cedar, St. Charles.
For the broader travel overview: Missouri.
