Tony Knowles Coastal Trail Anchorage
An 11-mile paved trail offering stunning coastal views and frequent wildlife sightings, perfect for biking and walking.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light & wildlife activity
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail Anchorage
Best Time
Best light & wildlife activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An 11-mile paved trail offering stunning coastal views and frequent wildlife sightings, perfect for biking and walking.
"Witness majestic moose and breathtaking Cook Inlet views on this must-do Anchorage trail."
🚲 Rent a Bike!
Cover more ground & spot wildlife easily. E-bikes are great!
🐻 Give Wildlife Space
Maintain distance from moose & bears. Never feed them!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Moose Sightings
Along the trail
Witness majestic moose grazing or crossing the path – a truly Alaskan experience!
+4Coastal Vistas
Trailside viewpoints
Enjoy breathtaking views of the Cook Inlet and surrounding mountains.
+1
Kincaid Park Connection
Northern end of the trail
The trail extends to Kincaid Park, offering more natural beauty and wildlife opportunities.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Wildlife Encounters: Be Prepared!
+4Best Access Points & Bike Rentals
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚲 Rent a Bike!
Cover more ground & spot wildlife easily. E-bikes are great!
🐻 Give Wildlife Space
Maintain distance from moose & bears. Never feed them!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Perfect for walking, running, or biking.
📍 Start at Elderberry Park
Convenient access point with great views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 Rent a Bike!
Cover more ground & spot wildlife easily. E-bikes are great!
🐻 Give Wildlife Space
Maintain distance from moose & bears. Never feed them!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Perfect for walking, running, or biking.
📍 Start at Elderberry Park
Convenient access point with great views.
📱 Download Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty in some areas.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning coastal views and the incredible opportunity to see wildlife, particularly moose, right from the trail. Many recommend renting bikes to explore its full 11-mile length. While generally safe and accessible, some note the potential for getting lost if not paying attention to the path.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trail is accessible from multiple points, with popular starting locations including Elderberry Park and Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park. You can also access it from Kincaid Park at the northern end. Parking is available at these access points.
While direct public transport to every trailhead might be limited, you can use Anchorage's public bus system to get to areas near the trail, such as downtown or parks. From there, it's a short walk or bike ride to the trail itself.
Yes, you can drive to several access points along the trail, including Elderberry Park and Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park, which offer parking facilities.
From downtown Anchorage, you can easily access the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail via Elderberry Park or by walking a short distance to the H Street and West 2nd Avenue entrance.
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a paved, multi-use path, making it generally accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a public greenbelt and is free to access for walking, running, and biking.
The trail is open year-round, from dawn until dusk. However, access and conditions can vary with weather, especially in winter.
There are no entry fees for the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail itself. Parking at trailheads is generally free.
Yes, bike rentals are readily available. Pablo's Bike Rentals is a highly recommended option located conveniently near the trail entrance.
Bike rental prices can vary, but typically start around $20 for kids and $25 for adults for a basic rental. E-bikes and tandem bikes may cost more.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is approximately 11 miles long, stretching from downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park.
You have a good chance of spotting moose, and occasionally black bears or other mammals. Swans and various bird species are also common. Always maintain a safe distance!
Yes, the trail is generally considered safe for walking, even alone, especially during daylight hours. It's a popular route with many other users.
The trail offers stunning panoramic views of the Cook Inlet, the Alaska Range, and the surrounding natural landscape, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Absolutely! The trail is paved and multi-use, making it ideal for running, jogging, and rollerblading.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for open vistas overlooking the Cook Inlet, areas with abundant wildflowers in summer, and any wildlife encounters (from a safe distance!). The trail's natural beauty provides endless photo opportunities.
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a beautiful glow over the landscape and potentially enhancing wildlife visibility.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm or similar) is great for landscapes and wildlife. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing distant animals. Don't forget a wide-angle for expansive views.
While the entire trail is scenic, keep an eye out for unique tree formations, the vastness of the Cook Inlet, and the distant mountain ranges. The trail itself winding through nature is also a great subject.
Yes, but always prioritize safety and distance. Use a zoom lens to get close-up shots without disturbing the animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep an eye out for wildlife like moose – a guaranteed hit with kids! 🚴♀️ Active Adventurers
+1 The trail's varied terrain and stunning coastal views provide an invigorating experience. Don't forget to check out the extension into Kincaid Park for an even more immersive natural adventure. +1📸 Nature Photographers
+3 The winding path through natural beauty also provides excellent opportunities for capturing the essence of Alaska's wilderness. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
+1Key access points include Elderberry Park and Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park, both offering parking and convenient entry. Many visitors opt to rent bikes, with @pablosbikerentals being a frequently recommended vendor for their proximity and service.
+1 Renting a bike allows you to cover more ground and maximize your chances of wildlife sightings, which are a major draw for this trail. Consider starting your journey from downtown Anchorage and heading north towards Kincaid Park, or vice versa. The trail offers a serene escape into nature, even within the city limits, and is a must-do for anyone visiting Anchorage.
+1Wildlife Encounters: A Highlight and a Caution
+4 You might also be lucky enough to see black bears, though these encounters are less common and require extra caution. +1It's crucial to remember that these are wild animals, and maintaining a safe distance is paramount for both your safety and theirs. Social media content often captures these encounters, but it's important to heed advice to never approach, feed, or provoke wildlife.
+2 If you see a moose or bear, stop, observe from afar, and give them plenty of space to move freely. Renting an e-bike can be advantageous as it allows you to quickly create distance if an animal approaches. Beyond the larger mammals, the trail is also home to various bird species, including swans, making it a fantastic spot for nature observation and photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit