Easy
Alaska · United States
- Distance
- 1.1 km / 0.7 mi
- Elevation gain
- 8 m
- Typical duration
- 14 min
- River
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
ModerateAlaska · United States
- Distance
- 16.5 km (10.3 mi)
- Elevation gain
- 103 m (338 ft)
- Typical time
- 3 hr 38 min
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Route type
- Point to point
- Highest point
- 76 m (249 ft)
About Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a 16.5 km hiking route in Alaska, United States. It climbs roughly 103 m (338 ft) along the way, topping out at 76 m (249 ft). Most people take around 3 hr 38 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. It sits firmly in moderate territory: enough climbing to feel like a proper day out, never enough to become a slog.
The coastline does the heavy lifting: cliff edges, coves and open horizon for most of the way.
Start and finish are in different places, which means public transport or a second car is part of the planning. It is not consistently waymarked, so carry a map or a downloaded track rather than relying on signs.
It walks well across three seasons, with spring and autumn offering the best combination of light, temperature and quiet paths. The nearest town of any size is Anchorage, about 6.7 km away, which is where most people base themselves.
In short, Tony Knowles Coastal Trail suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.
Route map
Moderate16.5 km103 m
Numbered marks every 5 km
Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation
Elevation
Elevation profile
- Ascent
- +103 m
- Descent
- −52 m
- High
- 76 m (249 ft)
- Low
- 14 m (46 ft)
The route in detail
The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.
Highlights
- Coastal
Know before you go
- Best season
- April to October
- Waymarked
- Not consistently
- Surface
- Mixed natural surface
- Dogs
- Not recorded, check locally
- Wheelchair access
- Not accessible
- Entrance fee
- No fee recorded
- Camping
- Not recorded
- Drinking water
- Carry your own
- Toilets
- Not recorded
- Mobile coverage
- Generally usable
- Parking
- Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
- Emergency
- 112 in Europe, 911 in North America
How this trail scores
Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.
- Scenery
- 62/100
- Adventure
- 29/100
- Difficulty
- 42/100
- Accessibility
- 49/100
- Family
- 27/100
- Dogs
- 62/100
Terrain features, relief and photographic interest
Distance, ascent and how wild the ground is
Effort index from distance and climbing
Surface, gradient and ease of reaching it
Suitability for children who already walk
Access rules, terrain and water along the way
Tips from the trail
- Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
- Aim for april to october for the most reliable conditions.
- Check the tide table if any part of the route runs along the beach.
- Download the track to your phone before you leave. Signal is not guaranteed.
- Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.
Warnings
- Cliff edges may be unfenced and undercut. Keep well back from the drop, especially in wind.
- Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.
Safety
Emergency services in United States are reached on 911. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage is generally usable along this route, but do not rely on it as your only plan. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.
What to bring
- Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
- Weatherproof jacket
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
- Small first aid kit including blister plasters
Photography
Golden hour along the cliffs is the obvious call, and a slow shutter on the water at the base of the rocks adds movement. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
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