Texas County: Nature Trails and History

The Paddy Creek Trail is one mile long, starts at the Paddy Creek Recreation Area, and ends there as well. The recreation area borders the eastern boundary of the Paddy Creek Wilderness and is also one of three trailheads for the Big Piney Trail. This means you can consider different distances when planning a hike: a one-mile trail and a considerably longer hike in the wilderness area.

Hiking and Camping at Paddy Creek

The Big Piney Trail in the Paddy Creek Wilderness stretches about 18 miles and has an elevation change of 500 feet. Check trail conditions and markers before setting out. If you plan to stay overnight outdoors, there is an explicitly designated option here: dispersed camping is allowed along the Paddy Creek Trail and in the Paddy Creek Wilderness Area. Check the applicable use regulations before your trip.

The Paddy Creek Recreation Area has 18 campsites. Since the number may change, confirm current campsite availability before booking or arriving. The information about trail length, elevation change, and campsites offers different points of reference for planning, without presuming the same type of stay.

More Ways to Enjoy the Water

Roby Lake combines day-use facilities with outdoor activities: it has a picnic area and two hiking trails. The lake covers five acres and offers opportunities for bass fishing. This makes a visit to the lake different to plan than a hike on the longer Big Piney Trail; the trails and lake fishing are the specific options at Roby Lake.

Fishing on the Big Piney River calls for a different approach: the river is best fished slowly from a canoe or a small river johnboat. This comparison can help if you are deciding whether to spend your time bass fishing on a lake or fishing slowly from a watercraft.

Architecture and History in Houston

The Houston Ranger Station Historic District consists of five half-timbered and limestone buildings. The Lynchburg Camp of the Civilian Conservation Corps built them in 1936 and 1937. Under Criterion A, the district is significant for its association with the USDA Forest Service and the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s. Criterion C highlights it as an example of the National Forest Service’s focus at the time on “rustic” architectural designs. Together, these connections reflect both the institution’s history and a particular architectural approach.

Another piece of local building history is the main building of Houston High School, built in 1921. The building was constructed with 200,000 bricks made from clay mined in the county and fired at the local Houston Brick & Tile works. Locally felled oak and pine were used for interior framing and floors. The school is locally significant under Criterion A in the areas of education and social history. Its bricks, wood, and construction date complement the institutional history of the Ranger Station Historic District with specific materials and a different use of the building.

Emmett Kelly Day is scheduled for April 24, 2027, in Houston, Missouri. The event honors the late clown Emmett Kelly, who gained international recognition through the circus, television, and film. If your stay falls on this date, you can take the event into account when planning your trip.

Beer and Food

The BARn Taproom offers pints or tasting flights of Piney River beers. The menu also includes handmade pizza and pretzels. Check opening hours and food availability before visiting.

Piney River Brewing Company is located on a 160-acre farm in unincorporated Bucyrus, in Texas County. If you are interested in the brewing process, ask the bartender at The BARn Taproom about a tour of the brewhouse; tour availability depends on taproom operations.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Cabool, Licking, St. Charles, St. Francois County, Hickory County, Ripley County, Butler County, Audrain.

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