Calling all wanderers, explorers and trailblazers — your next adventure lies along the Discovery Trail! The Fairfax County Park Authority is proud to announce that three exciting new sites have been added to the odyssey!
Discover hidden wildlife hotspots at Huntley Meadows, step into a bygone era at Grist Mill Park’s historic barn and check out Mount Vernon Rec Center’s brand-new recreation facilities.
The Discovery Trail Map invites families, friends and individuals of all ages on a free, self-guided adventure through featured parks. Explore the outdoors, learn something new and enter for the chance to win awesome prizes!
How To Participate
Pick up a free Discovery Trail Map at Park Authority Rec Centers, Nature Centers or Golf Courses or download it from the Discovery Trail Map website.
- Visit eight featured parks, answer a fun trivia question at each site and fill in the answer on the map.
- Complete the trail and turn in your map to one of five prize redemption locations by Sept. 1, 2025 to earn an amusement prize pack and be entered to win one of 25 grand prizes. Grand prizes include a backpack with binoculars, foldable frisbee, collapsible pet bowl, boat hat and first aid kit.
“The Discovery Trail map began in 2014 and has been a popular summer activity with families ever since. Each year the Discovery Trail Map has taken place, a committee of Park Authority staff has chosen a theme. As the Fairfax County Park Authority celebrates its 75th anniversary, participants will be able to explore the parks and learn of the history dating back thousands of years. Today, the Park Authority is incorporating innovative solutions at sites to preserve parks for generations to come.” – Jai Cole, Executive Director of the Fairfax County Park Authority
Blaze the trail and discover the stories that shaped Fairfax County’s past, present and future.
The 2025 Fairfax County Park Authority Discovery Trail Program is sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation. The Fairfax County Park Foundation, a 501(c)(3), supports the Fairfax County Park Authority by raising private funds, obtaining grants, and creating partnerships that supplement tax dollars to meet our community’s needs for park land, facilities and services. Visit the Fairfax County Park Foundation website for more information or call 703-324-8582.