Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
4.8(102)google
4.7(64)yelp
HikingHiking TrailCoastScenic LookoutOutdoor
Overview
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a spectacular, 11-mile paved multi-use pathway that weaves gracefully along the scenic western shoreline of Anchorage. Stretching from downtown to Kincaid Park, this heavily frequented trail offers pedestrians and cyclists breathtaking vistas of Cook Inlet, Fire Island, and the magnificent Alaska Range on clear days. Lined with sweeping coastal marshes, dense birch forests, and educational historic points, it provides an idyllic, active escape that perfectly showcases the city's unique mountain-meets-ocean geography.
Practical Info
Suggested DurationAbout 2-4 hours
Best TimeHighly recommended during clear summer evenings (June to August) under the midnight sun. Renting a bicycle to ride between 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM offers golden, soft light, panoramic vistas of Cook Inlet, and majestic views of distant snow-capped active volcanoes.
Getting ThereAn 11-mile paved multi-use trail hugging the western coast. The most iconic trailhead starts at Resolution Park downtown. No car is needed; you can rent a bike from local downtown rental shops and transition directly onto the fully vehicle-free coastal path.
Travel Tips
- This 11-mile trail enforces strict keep-right rules; rental bicycles must not exceed 15 mph and must brake early on downhill sweeping turns.
- Passing directly beneath the airport runway approach paths exposes riders to sudden, intense jet-blast turbulence; maintain a firm grip.
Photo Tips
Best LightSunset offers panoramic Denali and inlet views, but failing dusk brings sudden black bear crossings; active bike lights are required.
Reviews
Positive
- Anchorage's unmatched coastal gem, flanked by the grand Cook Inlet on one side and lush forests on the other, with good odds of seeing moose roadside.
- The entire 11-mile trail is fully paved with flat asphalt, offering a perfect accessible experience and making it ideal for renting a bike.
- Benches, scenic viewpoints, and highly clear mile markers are spaced regularly along the way, providing great convenience for runners and walkers.
- Completely free, it takes you away from the concrete jungle to enjoy 100% raw natural tranquility right at the city's edge.
Heads up
- Summer mosquitoes and annoying midges are as thick as a wall, hitting your face even if you don't stop; bug nets or frantic spraying are vital.
- Certain unlit forested stretches get too dark on cloudy days or evenings, and with wild bears around, solo walking lacks a sense of safety.
- Walkers, pro cyclists, and inline skaters mix on the same path; some cyclists speed heavily without ringing bells, posing a safety hazard.
- You can barely find a public restroom along the entire route except at the main park trailheads, making middle-of-the-trail emergencies very awkward.