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Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 102 Google reviews · Running trail in Anchorage, Alaska · Open 24 hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Open 24 hours
Confirmed from Tony Knowles Coastal Trail's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Scenic biking and hiking trail also popular with joggers, featuring views of the coast and wildlife, plus bike rentals.
What runners say about Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
“It's a very scenic trail, and you can see the sea as you walk, streams, and the occasional moose(I saw a family of them.”
“BEAUTIFUL easy trail along the coast and through the woods with tons of parks, geology, history, views, etc.”
Rented bikes for 4 hours to ride the entire 11 mile from downtown to Kincaid Park with many stops along the way. Great way to see Earthquake Park, Point Campbell Park, Kincaid Park, watch the airplanes fly overhead at end of runway, see moose, all while getting good exercise.
Gorgeous weather on a Saturday. Wasn’t too crowded. Much less people on the second leg after the airport. Saw a moose. It can be hard if on regular bike with quite a few hills; we were on e-bikes. Did it in 2.5 hours with a stop for reindeer sausage dog included. Tips: stop at airport runway for photo pic.
Had a great time walking along the trail. Saw a moose and a calf, lots of mushrooms, lots of birds. They were great views of Mount McKinley, Anchorage, And across the inlet. Having a ride pick us up at Kincaid park was definitely the way to go.
I highly recommend biking or walking the coastal trail if you have time in Anchorage. It's a very scenic trail, and you can see the sea as you walk, streams, and the occasional moose(I saw a family of them.) There is also information stands along the trail, like the salmon run & the 1964 Alaskan earthquake.
Trail conditions & character
“It's a very scenic trail, and you can see the sea as you walk, streams, and the occasional moose(I saw a family of them.”
“When starting on the trail, parking is an issue as there's not much free parking nearby, only parking meters.”
Plan your run at Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessOpen 24 hours — no gate to beat, so a 5am or a 10pm run both work
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteanchoragecoastaltrail.com
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
Running trails near Anchorage
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Earthquake Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,405 reviews
A devastating 1964 earthquake shaped this hilly area, which offers trails & an interpretive display.
Anchorage Coastal Trail Beach Access
4.8 ★★★★★ 197 reviews
Scenic trail for biking and walking featuring coastal scenery and moose.
Margaret Eagan Sullivan Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 906 reviews
Green space with a paved biking & walking path fronting Westchester Lagoon, plus mountain views.
Chester Creek Trail
4.7 ★★★★★ 12 reviews
Westchester Lagoon Nature Trail
4.6 ★★★★★ 150 reviews
Recreational area for walking and birdwatching, as well as ice skating (in winter).
Coastal Trail - Elderberry Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 599 reviews
Path popular for walking and biking on a coastal track.