Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is Anchorage's signature outdoor path and one of the easiest ways to experience Alaska without leaving the city. The paved trail runs about 11 miles along the shore of Cook Inlet from downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park, passing Westchester Lagoon, Earthquake Park and Point Woronzof. Along the way you can see Sleeping Lady, the profile of Mount Susitna across the water, and on clear days Denali and Mount Foraker on the horizon. Eagles and moose are commonly seen along the trail, and the trailside parks and benches make easy stops. Earthquake Park marks the site of some of the worst damage from the 1964 earthquake, so a walk here is also a history lesson. The trail is free, open to walkers, runners and cyclists, and short sections make good outings for families, with a round trip from Third Avenue to Westchester Lagoon of about 3 miles.

Season. The trail is open year-round, and it is used differently in each season. Summer brings long daylight, wildflowers and busy bike traffic, including races such as the Mayor's Marathon, and winter brings snow, cold and events such as fat bike races. Check conditions before you go, because winter surfaces may be icy or snowy and some sections may be groomed for different uses.

Daylight in midwinter is short, so plan walks in the middle of the day.What to expect. The trail is mostly flat and paved, so it suits strollers, casual riders and walkers. Bike rentals are available in Anchorage if you did not bring a bike, which makes the trail an inexpensive way to see the coast.

Wildlife is part of the setting, so keep a safe distance from moose, which can be unpredictable, and from bears, which are possible near the trail in some seasons. Make noise on quiet sections, keep dogs leashed and never approach animals for photographs. Tide flats near the trail can be dangerous, so stay on the path.

How it fits. A walk or ride on the Coastal Trail is a good first-day activity for travelers who arrive tired, and it pairs naturally with a visit to the Anchorage Museum, which sits in the downtown grid close to the trail's start.

If you stay at the Hotel Captain Cook or another downtown hotel, you can step onto the trail on foot. For a longer outing, bike to Earthquake Park and back, or continue to Kincaid Park for the woods and views. The trail is also a good place to look for the aurora in winter if you walk away from city lights on a clear night, though dedicated tours go farther afield. Use the tourism board's trail page for current information, and bring layers, because weather by the water is windy and changeable.

Finally, a note on timing. Early morning and evening bring the best light, fewer cyclists and a better chance of seeing moose, while midday in summer can be busy. In winter, dress for wind chill off the inlet and watch for ice on bridges and under overpasses. The trail connects with other paths in the city, so a local map or phone offline map helps if you want to extend a ride. Keep to the trail around the tide flats, where soft mud can trap people, and respect posted warnings about conditions.