The Appalachian National Scenic Trail traverses almost 2,200 miles along one of Earth's most ancient mountain ranges, yet is within easy reach of large metropolitan areas of the East Coast. The U.S. Postal Service celebrates the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) with a pane of 15 photographic stamps showcasing the scenic variety found along this century-old footpath.
Each stamp except for the first is labeled with the name of the pictured state and USA. Printed in white capitals, vertically up the left side of each photograph, is the title "Appalachian Trail," with undulations evoking the zigs and zags of the Maine-to-Georgia trail itself. The word "Forever," appears twice on each stamp, sandwiching the title. The first stamp, which at its top right is labeled simply "USA", represents A.T. segments through dense forest, which hikers call "the green tunnel."
Additional first-row stamps are Maine and Tennessee. Second row: New Hampshire; Georgia; Vermont. Third row: Pennsylvania; Maryland; West Virginia. Fourth row: North Carolina; New York; Massachusetts. Fifth row: Virginia; New Jersey; Connecticut.
Each year several million people set foot on the Appalachian Trail to make the most of its peace and beauty, and to take a break from the stresses of modern life.