2025 The Appalachian Trail Forever Stamps
US #5960
2025 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
First Day of Issue: February 28, 2025
First Day City: Dawsonville, GA
Quantity Issued: 34,500,000
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, while one simply reads “USA,” representing a portion of thick forest known as the “green tunnel.” The images on the stamps, in the order they appear on the sheet are:
- The Green Tunnel
• Maine – Mount Katahdin
• Tennessee – Laurel Falls
• New Hampshire – Presidential Range of the White Mountains
• Georgia – A waterfall
• Vermont – Green Mountains
• Pennsylvania – Rausch Creek
• Maryland – Hagerstown Valley from Annapolis Rock
• West Virginia – View from Jefferson Rock in Harpers Ferry
• North Carolina – Rhododendrons on the Roan Mountains
• New York – Catskill Mountains waterfall
• Massachusetts – Berkshire Mountains
• Virginia – McAfee Knob
• New Jersey – Boardwalk through wetlands
• Connecticut – Footbridge over the Ten Mile River
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.
History the stamps represent: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How it works?
A Forever® stamp is for sending domestic mail weighing up to 1 oz via First-Class Mail®.
Purpose: Send letters and cards up to 1 oz (approximately 4 sheets of regular, 8-1/2" x 11" paper in a rectangular envelope)
within the U.S., including U.S. territories and military bases overseas.
Value: Always valid for the First-Class Mail 1 oz rate, even if postage rates increase. Visit First-Class Mail and Postage to view
current rates.
Other Uses: Pair this stamp’s value with other postage to meet mailing costs when additional postage is required.
Use the Retail Postage Calculator to determine the exact cost of your mail.
Why is "FOREVER" crossed out in the image?
So the lines in your picture:
- It does not mean that the stamp has expired;
- It does not mean that you cannot continue to use it;
- Nor a postmark;
- It's just an artificial anti-copying line added to the display image.
Note: If the physical stamp you receive actually has this crossed line printed on it, be cautious. It may be a display sample, a replica or a fake stamp, rather than a normal usable stamp.
What are the common types of stamps, and how do they differ?
- Forever Stamp: Valid for standard domestic letters within the U.S. These stamps typically do not bear a fixed face value; they remain valid for mailing a standard one-ounce letter at the current rate, even if postage prices increase in the future.
- Global Forever Stamp: Primarily used for standard international letters or postcards sent from the U.S. to other countries. The main difference between this and a standard Forever Stamp lies in its scope of use and postage value.
- Postcard Stamp: Designed specifically for domestic postcards that meet USPS size standards; the postage rate is typically lower than that for standard letters.
- Additional Ounce Stamp: Used to cover the cost of weight exceeding the first ounce; these are usually used in conjunction with a Forever Stamp or other stamps.
- Two-Ounce and Three-Ounce Stamps: Suitable for heavier letters, greeting cards, wedding invitations, or multi-page documents, eliminating the need to combine multiple stamps to cover the required postage.
- Fixed-Value Stamps: These stamps display a specific monetary value (e.g., 1¢, 5¢, or other amounts) and are primarily used to make up postage differences or in combination with other stamps.
- Commemorative and Thematic Stamps: Typically issued to mark historical events, cultural or artistic themes, holidays, notable figures, animals, or natural landscapes. While suitable for regular mail, these stamps are also popular among collectors due to their unique designs and limited release periods.
It is important to note that a stamp's theme and its postage class can overlap; for example, a holiday-themed stamp might also be a Forever Stamp. When purchasing, check for markings such as FOREVER, GLOBAL, POSTCARD, ADDITIONAL OUNCE, or a specific face value to confirm the stamp's intended use.
Why choose StampResale.com?
- At StampResale, you will find a diverse range of U.S. stamps—including classic Forever Stamps, holiday-themed issues, commemorative stamps, and specialty collections—catering to needs ranging from everyday mailing and gift-giving to serious collecting.
We also frequently offer limited-time discounts, bundle deals, and exclusive promotions, providing you with a wider selection and greater value while guaranteeing the authenticity and quality of our stamps.
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