Creekview Trail

Creekview Trail (officially the Gary Nickel Memorial Creekview Trail) is a scenic half-mile paved pathway in the southwest corner of Flushing. Opened in 2018, the trail winds through Somerset Park, a quiet city-owned natural area along Cole Creek near the southern city limits. It connects the end of Winters Eave Drive to Lynn Street at Aberdeen Court, creating a convenient link for nearby neighborhoods to explore the outdoors. As it meanders through lush greenery, the route offers a shady canopy of towering trees and tranquil views of wetlands, making it perfect for leisurely walks, biking, and nature enjoyment. The trail’s surface is fully paved – constructed of asphalt and concrete with boardwalk sections over wet areas – ensuring a smooth, wheelchair- and stroller-friendly experience. Creekview Trail is Flushing’s newest addition to its trail system and the first recreation development in Somerset Park, which had long been an undeveloped open space. In 2021, the Flushing City Council renamed the trail in memory of Gary Nickel, a beloved local photographer and volunteer, to honor his contributions and love of nature. Today, this welcoming trail invites residents and visitors alike to enjoy a peaceful slice of nature right in the community.

Trail Features:

• Length & Surface: Approximately 0.5 miles one-way (about 1 mile round-trip). Built with a hot-mix asphalt and concrete path plus boardwalk segments over wetlands, providing a durable, non-slip surface even in damp areas. Suitable for walking, running, and casual biking.
• Location & Access: Begins at Lynn Street/Aberdeen Court (off Seymour Road) and extends west to Winters Eave Drive in Flushing’s Somerset Park area. Both ends have neighborhood street access; visitors can park on nearby streets (no dedicated lot) and enter the trail at either end.
• Scenic Natural Setting: Follows the course of Cole Creek through a corridor of woodlands and wetlands. Expect a refreshing tree canopy in summer and beautiful foliage in fall. The quiet, green surroundings are home to wildlife like birds and deer, offering opportunities for nature observation and photography. Benches or rest areas are situated along the trail for enjoying the scenery or taking a break.
• Accessibility: Designed as a barrier-free, ADA-compliant trail. The pathway is wide and gently graded, accommodating wheelchairs, mobility devices, and strollers with ease. Trail entrances at both Lynn Street and Winters Eave have level transitions for smooth access.
• Usage & Guidelines: Open daily from dawn to dusk (year-round). Intended for non-motorized use only – activities include walking, jogging, bicycling, and dog-walking (dogs must be leashed). The trail is maintained by the City of Flushing, so visitors are asked to carry out trash and respect the natural environment.
• Community & History: Creekview Trail was built through a collaborative effort funded by a Michigan DNR Trust Fund grant along with support from the Saginaw Bay Watershed Initiative Network and local community funds. It marked the first recreational development in Somerset Park (land the city acquired in the 1970s) and fulfilled a long-term goal of expanding Flushing’s trail network. In September 2021, the trail was officially dedicated as the Gary Nickel Memorial Creekview Trail to honor a community photographer who cherished the area’s natural beauty. A memorial plaque at the Lynn Street trailhead commemorates his legacy.

Whether you’re out for exercise, a peaceful evening stroll, or a short bike ride, Creekview Trail offers a safe and enjoyable way to experience Flushing’s great outdoors. The combination of a smooth, accessible path and the serene backdrop of woods and water makes this trail a hidden gem for anyone looking to unwind and explore nature close to home. Enjoy the shade and scenery, listen to the creek and birds, and take pride in this community-supported addition to Flushing’s park system