Hiking meets stamps

Image: USPS

If you’re an avid philatelist, or have ever walked a portion of – or the entirety of – the Appalachian Trail, then the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has a collectable souvenir for you.

The U.S. Postal Service is releasing a set of 15 stamps honouring the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, which offers nearly 2,200 miles of unspoiled nature to the millions who hike it each year. Within easy reach of large East Coast metropolitan areas, the Appalachian Trail — often called the AT — provides peace, beauty and a break from the stresses of modern life.

The pane of 15 Forever stamps is arranged in five horizontal rows of three stamps featuring scenic images taken along the trail, which spans 14 states from Maine to Georgia.

Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the pane using existing photographs.

The first-day-of-issue event for The Appalachian Trail stamps, on Friday, February 28 at 10am Eastern, is free and open to the public. It takes place at the Amicalola Falls State Park & Lodge in Dawsonville, GA.

Customers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through The Postal Store at usps.com/shopstamps. Additional information on stamps, First Day of Issue Ceremonies and stamp inspired products can be found at StampsForever.com.