Golden Pond Visitor Center – Elk & Bison Prairie loop from Fenton
Golden Pond Visitor Center – Elk & Bison Prairie loop from Fenton
4.5
(9980)
9,981
riders
Golden Pond Visitor Center – Elk & Bison Prairie loop from Fenton
04:29
50.3km
510m
Cycling
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
6.87 km
Golden Pond Visitor Center
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
42.8 km
Elk & Bison Prairie
Highlight • Natural
Tip by
50.3 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
23.0 km
18.9 km
5.50 km
2.99 km
Surfaces
38.3 km
6.26 km
5.45 km
303 m
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Elevation
Highest point (190 m)
Lowest point (110 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Tuesday 16 June
27°C
17°C
18 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
The Golden Pond Visitor Center – Elk & Bison Prairie loop from Fenton is a touring cycling route that promises a significant challenge, but it comes with a crucial caveat you need to know upfront. This difficult 31.2-mile (50.3 km) route, with its 1662 feet (507 metres) of elevation gain, is estimated to take 4 hours and 28 minutes. It's a route for experienced cyclists looking for a substantial workout in the Land Between the Lakes area, but be aware that the Elk & Bison Prairie itself is strictly off-limits to bicycles.
What to expect on Golden Pond Visitor Center – Elk & Bison Prairie loop from Fenton
As you embark on this route from Fenton, expect a challenging ride through the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. The terrain will test your endurance with its 1662 feet (507 metres) of climbing, making it suitable for cyclists who are comfortable with difficult ascents and descents. While the Komoot route takes you to the vicinity of the Golden Pond Visitor Center, which is an information hub for the area, remember that the Elk & Bison Prairie itself is a vehicle-based attraction where cycling is not permitted for safety reasons concerning both visitors and the large animals. You'll need to leave your bike to experience the prairie by car, but the ride to get there offers plenty of scenic views within the broader Land Between the Lakes region.
Planning your visit
This route is rated difficult, so plan accordingly with sufficient water and nutrition for the 4 hours and 28 minutes estimated duration. The Golden Pond Visitor Center is a good stop for information and maps about other activities in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Keep in mind that the Elk & Bison Prairie is a 3.5-mile paved loop road designed for enclosed vehicles only, and visitors are required to remain inside their vehicles while elk and bison are nearby. For the best experience, consider visiting during milder weather to avoid extreme heat or cold, and always check local conditions before you head out.
Trail details
- Distance: 31.2 miles (50.3 km)
- Elevation gain: 1662 feet (507 metres)
- Difficulty: difficult
- Estimated time: 4 hours and 28 minutes
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