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#5960i

2025 First-Class Forever Stamp - Appalachian Trail: St Peter's Roman Catholic Church, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

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US #5960i
2025 West Virginia

  • Part of pane of 15 stamps highlighting the Appalachian Trail
  • Stamps commemorate 100th anniversary of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
  • Feature 15 photos – one from each state the trail passes through plus the “Green Tunnel”

Stamp Category:&n...  more

US #5960i
2025 West Virginia

  • Part of pane of 15 stamps highlighting the Appalachian Trail
  • Stamps commemorate 100th anniversary of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
  • Feature 15 photos – one from each state the trail passes through plus the “Green Tunnel”

Stamp Category:  Commemorative
Set: Appalachian Trail
Value: 
73¢; first-class mail rate
First Day of Issue: 
February 28, 2025
First Day City: 
Dawsonville, GA
Quantity Issued: 
34,500,00
Printed by: 
Ashton Potter
Printing Method: 
Offset
Format: 
Panes of 15

Why the stamps were issued:  The set of 15 stamps was issued to bring a bit of natural beauty to our mail as well as mark the 100th anniversary of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

About the stamp designs:  USPS art director Antionio Alcalá created the Appalachian Trail stamps with existing photographs.  Fourteen of the stamps identify the states in which the photos were taken.  The other one simply reads “USA,” representing a portion of thick forest known as the “green tunnel.” 

Special design details: “Forever” and “Appalachian Trail” climb in a curved shape up the left side of each stamp, resembling the winding 2,197-mile path. 

First Day City:  The First Day ceremony for the Appalachian Trail stamps was held at Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawsonville, Georgia.  This location is close to where the southern portion of the trail ends.

About the Appalachian Trail set: The Appalachian Trail is the world’s longest hiking-only trail.  The idea for the trail was introduced in 1921 and it was completed in 1937.  Improvements were made over the years, and in 1968, the trail became one of the first National Scenic Trails (along with the Pacific Crest Trail). Today, over three million people hike portions of the Appalachian Trail every year.
The idea for the Appalachian Trail came from Benton MacKaye, a forester who was inspired by Vermont’s iconic Long Trail.  It took several years to bring MacKaye’s plan to fruition, with the trail finally being completed in August 1937, although it looked a little different than it does today.  Several areas were later connected to the trail. 
Since its inception, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy has been the main organization taking care of the trail.  However, numerous volunteer hiking clubs and other groups have also helped.  Today, the Appalachian Trail is maintained by at least 31 such organizations throughout the 14 states the trail passes through.  The work of these volunteers ensures hikers stay safe on the entire 2,197-mile journey from Georgia to Maine.
Many people have completed the Appalachian Trail.  The task requires a high level of physical fitness and careful planning as many areas of the trail are difficult even for the most seasoned hiker.  However, that doesn’t mean only serious hikers can enjoy the Appalachian Trail.  Throughout the span of the trail, there are plenty of day hikes and side paths that allow novice hikers to get a taste of the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains and the eastern United States.

History the stamps represent: West Virginia has the shortest stretch of the Appalachian Trail of the 14 states it passes through.  However, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit.  In fact, the West Virginia section is one hikers won’t want to miss.
Only about 2.4 miles of the Appalachian Trail pass through West Virginia, but there’s a lot packed into that short stretch.  Most notably, the trail passes through Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.  The park was the site of John Brown’s famous 1859 raid, in which he attempted to capture the armory there and incite a slave rebellion.  His plan was foiled, and the event only escalated tensions in the lead up to the Civil War.
Harpers Ferry is also home to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) Headquarters and Visitor Center.  The ATC protects, manages, and promotes the trail.  The visitor center is often referred to as the “mental midpoint.”  While the physical midpoint is 75 miles away in Pennsylvania, this central location is a popular stopping point for many hikers.  It’s a tradition to take a photo in front of the building.  In fact, the center has a collection of “halfway” hiker photos with their sign dating back to 1979.
Harpers Ferry is also the starting point for the Four-State Challenge.  In 24 hours, hikers can pass through Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.

 
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