2025 First-Class Forever Stamp,Appalachian Trail: Ned Anderson Memorial Bridge, Connecticut

US #5960o
2025 Connecticut

• 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: Connecticut’s section of the Appalachian Trail stretches 52 miles and is a treat for nature and history enthusiasts.
Bear Mountain is among the notable sites in Connecticut.  It’s the tallest peak in the state, reaching an elevation of 2,323 feet.  Rand’s View, near Salisbury, is considered one of the most splendid spots in the entire state.  Upon exiting the woods, hikers are rewarded with a wide expanse that makes the trip worth the effort.  It’s one of the most photographed sites along the entire 2,197-mile Appalachian Trail!
A nearby bridge offers the perfect view of the Great Falls waterfall.  From there, hikers can climb Mount Prospect and see Giant’s Thumb.  The 10-foot-tall rock resembles a giant’s thumb sticking out of the ground and is another popular photo opportunity.
The Housatonic River Valley is a key feature of the Appalachian Trail in Connecticut.  The area was once home to an ironworks that operated from the mid-18th century to the 20th century.  Dubbed the “Arsenal of the Revolution,” iron foundries and blast furnaces ran on coal to melt iron for weapons and more.  Hikers can still see the remains of these hearth sites today – reflecting on history as they pass through the woods.