US #5960m
2025 Virginia

• Part of pane of 15 stamps highlighting the Appalachian Trail
• Stamps commemorate 100^th 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 100^th 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: Virginia includes more miles of the Appalachian Trail than any of the 14 states it passes through.  Covering 557 miles, it’s nearly a quarter of the entire trail’s length.
About 100 of those miles are within Shenandoah National Park, where hikers can enjoy an easier, scenic climb with plenty of opportunities for wildlife watching.  It has some of the most biologically diverse flora and fauna of the entire Appalachian Trail.
Grayson Highlands State Park is one of the most popular destinations along the trail.  In addition to beautiful mountain views, the park is home to free roaming wild ponies.
Mount Rogers is the highest point along the Virginia section of trail, reaching 5,729 feet.  There, experienced hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.  The Priest is another of the most difficult mountains to climb in the state, but the summit offers unparalleled views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Virginia is celebrated among hikers as one of the most user-friendly sections of the Appalachian Trail.  It has more shelters, water sources, and nearby towns than many others.  It also has a wide variety of terrain from grassy meadows to deep cliffs, providing conditions suitable for hikers of all levels.