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United States

Alaska

Anchorage

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Routes

Running trails & routes

United States

Alaska

Anchorage

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Easy

5.0

(5068)

17,473

runners

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Q: What is the terrain like on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail?

The trail is 11 miles long and entirely paved, offering a smooth surface ideal for jogging, walking, or cycling. While generally flat, there are three notable hills towards the southern end as you approach Earthquake Park, Point Woronzof, and Kincaid Park. The incline near Kincaid Park is the most challenging section. Soft shoulders are available for runners.

Q: Where can I park to access the trail?

You can access the trail from various points. Popular starting points with parking include downtown Anchorage, near Elderberry Park , and near Westchester Lagoon . Parking is generally available at these access points.

Q: Is the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain a pleasant experience for all users.

Q: What is the best time of year to visit this trail?

The trail is a popular year-round destination. In summer, it's perfect for jogging, biking, and walking. During winter, it transforms into a route for cross-country skiing and fat-tire biking. For clear views and comfortable jogging, late spring through early fall is generally ideal.

Q: Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee to use the trail?

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to use the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. It is freely accessible to the public.

Q: What kind of wildlife might I see while jogging?

You have a good chance of spotting Alaskan wildlife. Moose are frequently seen, sometimes directly on the trail. Keep an eye out for eagles, various waterfowl, and even beluga whales in Cook Inlet, especially from Point Woronzof on a clear day.

Q: What scenic views or landmarks can I expect along the route?

The trail offers stunning Alaskan landscapes, including expansive views of Cook Inlet, the Chugach Mountains, and tidal inlets. On clear days, you might see Mount Susitna (Sleeping Lady) and even Denali. It also skirts the shoreline of Westchester Lagoon , known for birdwatching, and passes by Earthquake Park with its interpretive signage.

Q: Is the trail suitable for beginners or those new to jogging?

Yes, the trail is generally considered easy and suitable for most ages and abilities, including beginners. Its smooth, paved surface and mostly flat profile make it very accessible. The main elevation changes are towards the southern end, which can be avoided if you stick to the northern sections.

Q: Does this trail connect to other paths in Anchorage?

Yes, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a key part of Anchorage's extensive trail system. It is part of the popular Moose Loop route and intersects with other official trails such as the Chester Creek Trail and the Coastal to Ship Creek connection.

Q: What's an insider tip for jogging the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail?

If you're looking for a flatter, less strenuous jogging experience, focus on the northern half of the trail starting from downtown Anchorage. The significant incline near Kincaid Park at the southern end is the most challenging spot, so plan your route accordingly if you prefer to avoid it.

00:30

4.77km

30m

Running

Enjoy a refreshing jog along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, an easy 3.0 miles (4.8 km) route that offers stunning views of Cook Inlet and the Chugach Mountains. As you move along the paved path, you will gain a gentle 84 feet (25 metres) in elevation, making this a perfect quick outing that takes approximately 29 minutes. The trail winds through coastal forests and past the scenic Westchester Lagoon, providing a peaceful atmosphere for your run.

This accessible trail is suitable for jogging year-round, thanks to its paved surface. You can easily find access points directly from downtown Anchorage, with Elderberry Park serving as a convenient starting or stopping point. Consider visiting during daylight hours to fully appreciate the expansive coastal scenery and potential wildlife sightings.

Beyond the immediate views, the trail is known for its abundant wildlife; keep an eye out for moose grazing in the forests and eagles soaring overhead. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of distant peaks like Mount Susitna or Denali, adding to the unique natural context of this urban coastal path.

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

673 m

Elderberry Park

Highlight • Rest Area

This is a sweet little park with a bit of playground equipment, some benches, and a view over the water. The paved Tony Knowles Coastal Trail also passes nearby as it traverses the only really major hill between Westchester Lagoon and the furthest downtown access point. If you're headed north on the Coastal Trail past Elderberry Park you'll find yourself chugging up a very steep hill; and of course, heading south leaves you to more or less freewheel it on the downhill.

Tip by

742 m

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

All told, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail runs about 11 miles (17.7 km)
from downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park. It is paved and designated for multi-use along its entire length, and mixes flat terrain with rolling hills that can pose a fun challenge. Most of the trail also provides pretty views out over Cook Inlet, the tongue of ocean that reaches toward Anchorage.

Tip by

2.39 km

Westchester Lagoon

Highlight • Lake

Once an old gravel pit, Westchester Lagoon is now one of the crowning jewels of Anchorage. Locals come here to canoe and kayak, watch the waterbirds that gather in the protected waters of the lagoon, or enjoy the paved, multi-use trails that run along three sides of the lagoon. There is also a rushing creek where you can occasionally see salmon working their way in from the ocean to spawn.

Tip by

4.77 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

4.68 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

3.94 km

638 m

179 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Friday 10 July

21°C

11°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 11.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the terrain like on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail?

The trail is 11 miles long and entirely paved, offering a smooth surface ideal for jogging, walking, or cycling. While generally flat, there are three notable hills towards the southern end as you approach Earthquake Park, Point Woronzof, and Kincaid Park. The incline near Kincaid Park is the most challenging section. Soft shoulders are available for runners.

Where can I park to access the trail?

You can access the trail from various points. Popular starting points with parking include downtown Anchorage, near Elderberry Park, and near Westchester Lagoon. Parking is generally available at these access points.

Is the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail dog-friendly?

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain a pleasant experience for all users.

What is the best time of year to visit this trail?

The trail is a popular year-round destination. In summer, it's perfect for jogging, biking, and walking. During winter, it transforms into a route for cross-country skiing and fat-tire biking. For clear views and comfortable jogging, late spring through early fall is generally ideal.

Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee to use the trail?

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to use the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. It is freely accessible to the public.

What kind of wildlife might I see while jogging?

You have a good chance of spotting Alaskan wildlife. Moose are frequently seen, sometimes directly on the trail. Keep an eye out for eagles, various waterfowl, and even beluga whales in Cook Inlet, especially from Point Woronzof on a clear day.

What scenic views or landmarks can I expect along the route?

The trail offers stunning Alaskan landscapes, including expansive views of Cook Inlet, the Chugach Mountains, and tidal inlets. On clear days, you might see Mount Susitna (Sleeping Lady) and even Denali. It also skirts the shoreline of Westchester Lagoon, known for birdwatching, and passes by Earthquake Park with its interpretive signage.

Is the trail suitable for beginners or those new to jogging?

Yes, the trail is generally considered easy and suitable for most ages and abilities, including beginners. Its smooth, paved surface and mostly flat profile make it very accessible. The main elevation changes are towards the southern end, which can be avoided if you stick to the northern sections.

Does this trail connect to other paths in Anchorage?

Yes, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a key part of Anchorage's extensive trail system. It is part of the popular Moose Loop route and intersects with other official trails such as the Chester Creek Trail and the Coastal to Ship Creek connection.

What's an insider tip for jogging the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail?

If you're looking for a flatter, less strenuous jogging experience, focus on the northern half of the trail starting from downtown Anchorage. The significant incline near Kincaid Park at the southern end is the most challenging spot, so plan your route accordingly if you prefer to avoid it.