FAQs

BEFORE YOU START - FAQs

How much does the Puzzle Trail cost?

The app currently costs $14.99 to download and will provide full access to our first puzzle trail: Vanderbilt’s Treasure.

Does everyone in my party need to download the app?

Technically, no.  However … There are several puzzles that may be difficult to share.  Having the app on your own device will be the most immersive, complete puzzle trail experience! 

How long does the Puzzle Trail take to complete?

Our first puzzle trail, Vanderbilt’s Treasure, is designed as 3 half days of activity in 3 different locations. We expect the total time commitment to be 12 to 16 hours. You can complete the puzzle trail however best fits your schedule. One location right after another or stretch it out over 3+ days.

What locations will I visit on the the Puzzle Trail?

The 3 half days of activity will take you to 1) Pisgah National Forest 2) The Blue Ridge Parkway 3) Dupont State Forest. You will also visit downtown Brevard several times during the puzzle trail.

Please note the Blue Ridge Parkway may be closed during winter months. You should check the national parks website before heading up to the parkway during winter months.

I hear Brevard is in the land of waterfalls.  Will I get to see waterfalls?

Absolutely!! Our hikes are specifically chosen because they have long range mountain views and/or waterfalls.

I'm not from the area, will I have a difficult time knowing where to go?

Not at all. Unlike a traditional scavenger hunt, you will not have to figure out where to go on a puzzle trail. We tell you exactly which hikes to take (just click the ‘Logistics’ button at the top of each page in the App).

You should be able to use Google Maps to get directions to all locations on the puzzle trail. It will be helpful to download an offline map of the area in Google Maps so you can get directions even if you don’t have cell coverage.

It will also be helpful to download AllTrails (a free hiking app) as we reference the names of hikes used in AllTrails. 

Do you have any tips on how to be successful in completing a puzzle trail?

Great question! 

Talk through each puzzle within your party by sharing your ideas, no matter how big or small.   Great teamwork may be your best tool.

Use all tools at your disposal. Look things up on the internet or use a calculator if needed.

Take pictures/notes of plaques, signs, and markers that you think may help you solve a puzzle. It could save you time from having to retrace your steps. 

I love to hike but I don’t like puzzles.  Is a Puzzle Trail still for me?

YES!!  It is possible to bypass any, or all, of the puzzles and simply enjoy our curated hiking itinerary.  Choose the hint/solve option for each puzzle you’d like to leapfrog and the next hiking challenge will be revealed. 

ON THE TRAIL - FAQs

I think a piece of information I needed on the trail was damaged or broken.  What do I do?  

This is excellent information for our team to have.  Please email us at pisgahpuzzletrail@gmail.com so we can investigate and troubleshoot the problem.

If you do not believe you can solve a puzzle but would like to continue on the puzzle trail, please select the hint/solve button until you advance to the next puzzle/activity. 

Do I get anything for finishing a puzzle trails?

I assume you mean besides pride and a great experience of course!   Yes, there is a small prize available at the end of each trail.

What if I don’t finish the puzzle trail I’m working on?

No worries!   There is no time limit for each trail.  Simply come back in the future and pick up where you left off!