Lago di Monte Cotugno - giro ad anello

Embark on a difficult mountain bike adventure around Lago di Monte Cotugno, a challenging 27.1-mile (43.7 km) loop in Basilicata's Pollino National Park. This route demands very good fitness, featuring a significant 3357-foot (1023 metres) elevation gain and taking about 3 hours and 45 minutes to complete. You'll ride through varied terrain, from paved sections to unpaved paths, all while enjoying panoramic views of the artificial lake. The clear, greenish water reflects the surrounding mountains and forests, creating a serene backdrop for your ride through Mediterranean scrub, oak, and mastic trees.

Prepare for a substantial workout on this difficult mountain bike tour, which requires very good fitness levels. The varied surface includes both paved and unpaved sections, characteristic of the rugged Pollino National Park. As a popular mountain biking destination in the Senise area, you can expect a well-established route. Plan your visit to allow ample time to complete the 3 hours and 45 minutes duration, ensuring you are well-prepared for the challenging climbs.

This trail is notable for circling the suggestive Lago di Monte Cotugno, an artificial lake formed by Europe's largest earth-fill dam. Situated within the vast Pollino National Park, Italy's largest protected area, the route offers a pristine natural environment. Keep an eye out for herons, eagles, and falcons; the area is excellent for birdwatching, with an Avifaunistic Observatory nearby dedicated to studying the local birdlife.