How to Play

How it Works

Puzzles will be available to download by going to www.solvingfun.com/nova between October 1 and November 30, 2025. Scroll down and click on the green Puzzles button to start solving or click here. If you don't have a printer, Fairfax County Libraries offer printing for 15 cents a page.

With a group of friends or family, solve the puzzles at your own pace. Enter each puzzle answer on the puzzle pages. Each individual puzzle will lead you to a location on the NOVA Loop Trail where you will find a clue (the dot on the map is not meant to be the exact location, but it will be close by). When you get to the clue location, hunt for a sign with a blue word on it (sample below). These are clues for the hunt's final puzzle. The signs will not be hidden or buried and are on public land on or close to the NOVA Loop Trail. You will not need to damage anything to find them. Write down the clue (word(s)) you need and leave the signs for future solvers. Put together the clues found at each location and figure out the final answer. If you solve all the segments, there is one final puzzle.

As you solve and discover, take photos and share using #novapuzzlehunt and tag us @solvingfun

Prizes

As you finish segments of the hunt, enter your answers for a chance to win a prize! Submit your entry by filling out the form from October 1 - November 30, 2025. It is free to enter. One entry per person, per segment.

Be one of our eight Wednesday Winners. There will be weekly drawings each Wednesday throughout the hunt for prizes donated by our supporters.

For the participants who complete the entire hunt, all nine segments and the final puzzle, there will also be a drawing for grand prizes from Fairfax County and the Department of Transportation and Solving Fun. Grand prizes include a $400 gift card from Trek Bicycles Vienna and a kid's bike, helmet, and safety accessories. Final puzzle winners will be notified around December 1, 2025.

Thank you to our supporters for their donations!

Trails

While this hunt is all about solving puzzles and finding clues, we encourage solvers to take their time to solve throughout the fall and visit the sites where clues are located. This is a great opportunity to explore wonderful places and practice biking and hiking on the NOVA Loop Trail throughout Northern Virginia.

NOVA Loop Trail Segments

Fairfax County has created this map supporting the NOVA Loop Trail Puzzle Hunt. It includes the nine puzzle hunt segments, points of interest in each segment, rest stops along the way, and bus stops along the NOVA Loop Trail.

Safety Reminders

The Solving Fun Puzzle Pals and the Fairfax County Department of Transportation want all of our community members to be safe and have fun. Be mindful of all laws and safety regulations as you explore our county. Clues are posted in visible areas and on public property. If you experience an emergency, call 911.

Safety Tips

While exploring the NOVA Loop trail, here are some helpful tips to keep you safe.

• Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.

• Look left, right, and left again before crossing the street.

• Be aware of your surroundings. Things happen unexpectedly.

• Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for drivers in all directions,

including those turning.

• Watch for drivers entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.

• When possible, walk with a parent, sibling, or a group of friends.

• Stay off your phone and other electronic devices that may distract you.

• Wear a helmet when riding. Bike in the direction of traffic.

• Visit locations during the day and with pals.