Visit the Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve - Fishing, Hiking, and more!

Conveniently Located Nature!

Many moons ago I went to Willie’s Ice House on Highway 249 and behind it was a fence and in that fence was trees – this was the future home of the Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve. Across the highway is the Cypress Creek YMCA and it seemed this wooded area was attached to the wooded area and lake of the YMCA, but it was always inaccessible. Plus, when it rains, it floods. So, we were content to wonder.

Then came Vintage Park and a hospital and townhomes and building, building, building, and, finally rumors of activity. Eventually, we were told it would Cypress Creek Greenway Project to connect trails and parks along Cypress Creek running from Lake Houston in northeast Harris County to past Highway 249 in northwest Harris County and it is.

On Saturday, April 1st, 2017 the Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve opened to the public. It is a great addition to the 249 corridor outdoor spaces. It does not house any play structures but is set up as trails and water activities. Currently, there are about 1.7 miles of trails in the 80-acre facility. It is a straightforward setup.

Just off Hwy. 249, there is a two-lane road with several spots along the way to pull off and park to begin your trail adventure. Much of the trail is paved. If you follow the road to the loop at the end there is a larger lot, a wooden dock, walk-up water access, some picnic tables, a sand volleyball court, and restroom facilities.

Kickerillo-Mischer Preserve is available for scout camping. The natural place for this seems to be just behind the restroom facilities. There is a large flat open space and the backside of the restrooms have restrooms with showers (those were locked the day we were there). For those who are considering it for scout camping, there is a spigot and a fire ring. There are no barbecue pits near the picnic tables. And, the picnic tables are not in the large open area where the presumed camping would take place. There is a covered pavilion.

As far as amenities go notably absent is any sort of play structure. Perhaps these are in the pipeline, but currently, it is a nice simple place to spend time in nature.Â There are several fishing docks and water access for non-motorized boats.