United States Postal Service has released a series of Forever Stamps celebrating the Appalachian Trail’s natural beauty as well as its historical importance.
What This Means
This stamp is the newest addition to USPS Forever Stamp series. You can use a Forever stamp to send a letter weighing one ounce regardless of any future increases in postal rates. Forever stamps always sell at the price of First-Class Mail, making them a great value.
Appalachian Trail Forever Stamps, A Closer View
USPS issued a brand new Forever set commemorating the Appalachian Trail . The trail stretches across 14 states on the Eastern Seaboard. Benton MacKaye, a forester from 1921, first proposed the Appalachian Trail concept. In 1937, the Civilian Conservation Corps made significant contributions to the completion of the footpath. This trail provides hikers with a peaceful, natural retreat. Through federal conservation initiatives and the efforts of volunteers, this trail will remain protected.
Appalachian Trail Forever is a new collection of stamps that features 15 photographs featuring the varied landscapes along the trail. Stamps show locations along the Appalachian Trail, from Mount Katahdin to Georgia’s rolling hills. USPS art director Antonio Alcalá designed the stamps, and they also feature notable landmarks. McAfeeknob, Mount Washington, Mount Washington, Virginia and other landmarks are included. The stamps also feature images of various waterfalls and lush forests along the Appalachian trail.
Daniel Tangherlini (a USPS Board of Governors Member) emphasized its importance because it was established by federal conservation initiatives and the efforts of volunteers. According to him, the project was “a story that is very American” and a result of grassroots activism and collaboration between government. Tangherlini said that the Appalachian Trail’s natural beauty has been enjoyed by millions of people over the years. He also highlighted the spirit of collaboration which continues to protect this iconic landmark.
Sandra Marra (President and CEO, Appalachian Trail Conservancy) highlighted the importance of these new stamps to bring attention to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Appalachian Trail Conservancy is celebrating its 100th birthday in 2025. She said, “These stamps beautifully display the scenic and wild beauty of the Appalachian Trail and its landscape which attracts, inspires and motivates millions of people around the globe to walk on this beloved trail and leave transformed.” She highlights the transformational experience that many people have along the trail.
Appalachian Trail Stamps is just part of USPS extensive Forever Stamp Program. Two new stamp designs will be revealed in September 2024: One honoring the First Continental Congress 250th Anniversary, an important moment on the road to American Independence, and the other expressing gratitude towards health care workers. The stamps celebrate important things that the Postal Service holds dear and showcase the variety of themes in the Forever Stamp selection.
Also, Forever stamps celebrating both Hanukkah & Kwanzaa will be available in 2024. Both stamps commemorated Kwanzaa and Hanukkah – the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah.
A USPS factsheet states that the stamps are designed to make it easier for consumers to use them during times of price fluctuations. These stamps can be purchased in booklets of 10, 20, or 30 stamps. They’re also suitable for sending international mail. Postal Service warns that international postage is more expensive.
The USPS made an announcement in January about upcoming price changes, which included increases for Priority Mail shipping (over 3%) and Ground Advantage (just over 4%). USPS explained these changes in price, which affected rates for shipping and other services as necessary adjustments.
USPS Board of Governors justified the increases in price as needed to ensure competitiveness for the agency and “need revenue”.
The announcements come after previous increases in summer 2023 that sparked a significant backlash. Louis DeJoy said that the previous increases were crucial to saving “a broken business model.”
USPS reports a 1,7% rise in revenue in fiscal 2024. It also posted a $9.5 billion net loss, underscoring the ongoing challenges.
The Voices of the USPS and ATC
Daniel Tangherlini USPS Board of Governors The Appalachian Trail’s natural beauty has thrilled millions of people over the years. This is an American story. The government worked with the public to create the Appalachian Trail. The trail is still preserved by the same grassroots spirit. The trail offers hikers the chance to climb Mount Washington, which is the highest peak in northeastern United States, to stroll along a tranquil creek or to follow the path of history as the trail joins the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath.
Sandra Marra, Appalachian Trail Conservancy CEO: The Appalachian Trail Forever Stamps are a wonderful way to celebrate and spotlight one of America’s most treasured locations during Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s 100th anniversary year in 2025. These stamps beautifully display the beauty and wildness of the A.T. and the landscape that attracts and motivates people around the globe to walk on the beloved trail.
Available
The Appalachian Trail Forever Stamps are now available at Post Offices nationwide. They can also be purchased online via The Postal Store and through the USPS Officially Licensed Collection, which is sold on Amazon. Stamp enthusiasts can find out more information about the Appalachian Trail Forever stamps, as well as other series and First Day of Issue Ceremonies, on StampsForever.com.