Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Anchorage's Premier Urban Recreation Trail

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail stands as Alaska's most accessible and spectacular urban outdoor experience, delivering 11 miles of paved pathway that showcases everything that makes Anchorage special. This multi-use trail isn't just a walk in the park – it's your gateway to authentic Alaska adventure right in the heart of the city.

Complete Trail Access Points & Parking

Downtown Trailhead (Mile 0): Start at 2nd Avenue near the Alaska Railroad Depot with free 2-hour parking. Elderberry Park (Mile 1.5): Popular family access point with restrooms and playground. Westchester Lagoon (Mile 3): Excellent wildlife viewing with ample parking and restrooms. Point Woronzof (Mile 8): Premier viewpoint with parking and facilities. Kincaid Park (Mile 11): Trail terminus with extensive parking, visitor center, and full amenities.

Wildlife Viewing & Safety Guidelines

What wildlife can you expect? Moose sightings are common year-round, especially near Westchester Lagoon and Point Woronzof. Beluga whales frequently appear in Cook Inlet from May through September – bring binoculars! Brown and black bears occasionally use the trail corridor, so follow Alaska wildlife safety protocols: make noise, travel in groups, and never approach or feed wildlife.

Seasonal Recreation & Trail Conditions

Summer (May-September): Perfect for walking, running, cycling, and rollerblading on fully paved surfaces. Winter (October-April): Excellent for cross-country skiing, fat-tire biking, and winter walking. Trail grooming varies by snow conditions – check Anchorage Parks & Recreation for current winter trail reports.

Bike Rentals: Pablo's Bicycle Rentals downtown offers trail-ready bikes with helmets. REI Anchorage provides quality rental equipment and trail maps.

Trail Etiquette: Stay right, pass left. Cyclists yield to pedestrians. Keep dogs leashed. Pack out all trash. Respect wildlife viewing distances.

Nearby Amenities: Combine your trail experience with dining at Simon & Seafort's for Cook Inlet views, or stay at Hotel Captain Cook for walking access to the downtown trailhead.