Through the Lens
The Photographers Behind the Appalachian Trail Forever Stamps
February 27, 2025
This year, the U.S. Postal Service is honoring the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s 100th year of protecting the Appalachian Trail with a series of Forever stamps, each featuring a stunning image taken along the Trail. These photographs, taken by artists with deep personal connections to the A.T., showcase the Trail’s beauty through the seasons and across the 14 states that the Trail passes through.
The common Leave No Trace advice says to “leave only footprints and take only pictures.” In this blog post, we’re retracing the footprints of the photographers who took some of the photos featured on the A.T. stamps to learn more about the moment they captured the image, their personal connections to the Trail, and what it meant to them to have their photo selected to appear on a stamp.
Angelo Marcialis (New York)
The Moment: Angelo Marcialis captured his image early in his photographic journey after retiring from a career as an instrumental music educator. Drawn by the allure of autumn’s vibrant colors, he returned to a location he had previously visited in winter to capture it in a new light. “Autumn is photographer’s gold,” he says, and his results did not disappoint.
Personal Connection: To Angelo, the Appalachian Trail is a conduit to nature, offering both perspective and self-awareness.
On Being Selected: He describes the honor as a mix of surprise, pride, and gratitude, especially in representing New York State in such an artistic and natural way.
Follow Angelo’s work on Bluesky: Ang-Photos. Website: Hudson Valley Landscape Photos
Bart Smith (Pennsylvania)
The Moment: Bart Smith’s image of Rausch Creek was taken in 2000 as part of his extensive photographic documentation of the Appalachian Trail. Having hiked the A.T. in 1998 and 1999, carrying 25 pounds of camera gear, he sought to capture the Trail’s character for a coffee-table book. His connection to Rausch Creek deepened through his collaboration with legendary A.T. hiker Earl Shaffer, who had written a poem about the location.
Personal Connection: The Appalachian Trail launched Bart’s decades-long journey of walking and photographing America’s National Trails—an experience for which he is eternally grateful.
On Being Selected: “To have any of my images chosen for a U.S. Postal stamp would be a thrill, but to also have one of Earl Shaffer’s favorite places featured is the cherry on top.”
Ed Heaton (West Virginia)
The Moment: Ed Heaton arrived at Jefferson Rock a few hours before sunset, aiming to capture the interplay of light on the Shenandoah River, St. Peter’s Church steeple, and the valley beyond. “The passage of the Shenandoah through the Blue Ridge is one of the most marvelous views in nature,” he reflects.
Personal Connection: Ed’s connection to the A.T. deepened when he hiked from the Pennsylvania border to Harpers Ferry with his 10-year-old son—a transformative experience for them both.
On Being Selected: He describes the honor as a milestone in his career as a professional photographer.
Jenna Foster (Massachusetts)
The Moment: Nearing the top of Mount Greylock, Jenna came across a tranquil pond with a tiny cabin nestled in the trees. “Every mountain pond encounter feels special, like stepping into another world and time, and I’m filled with a sense of completeness. *click* I snap a photo to try to hold onto this moment,” she recalls.
Personal Connection: Jenna thru-hiked the A.T. in 2021 with her now-fiancé, Chris. Their journey led them to move to Georgia and become active members of the Georgia Appalachian Trail Club.
On Being Selected: Jenna was shocked when the USPS discovered her blog and reached out. “It’s a huge honor to be part of this nationwide celebration of the Appalachian Trail. Happy 100th anniversary to the ATC! I have so much gratitude to everyone who helps protect and uphold this national treasure.”
Read about Jenna’s AT thru-hike: Jenna Lynne Foster’s Blog
Kevin Rohn (Tennessee)
The Moment: While his hiking companions stayed behind, Kevin made the extra trek to Laurel Falls, determined to frame the perfect shot. Despite the freezing October weather, he adjusted his angle, squatted in the shallows, and used a long exposure to capture the movement of the water. “Extra miles well worth it!” he says.
Personal Connection: For Kevin, the A.T. is an opportunity—for self-reflection, growth, and transformation. His experiences led to a TEDx talk on mindful hiking.
On Being Selected: “It’s a dream to have my work represent the beauty of the A.T. on such a wide scale.”
Follow Kevin’s adventures: Trekking Sketches | Instagram: @trekkingsketches
Ryan Tasto (Maryland)
The Moment: A year into his photography journey, Ryan set out on his first backpacking trip to Annapolis Rock. Excited yet nervous, he hiked five miles, set up camp, and waited for sunset. When the light painted the autumn trees below, he pressed the shutter. “I knew I captured something special,” he recalls.
Personal Connection: That trip introduced Ryan to the Appalachian Trail, igniting a passion for backpacking and photography that has since taken him to the Colorado Trail, John Muir Trail, and beyond.
On Being Selected: Ryan had only just discovered the A.T. when he took this photo. Now, five years later, his journey comes full circle as he plans another trip back to the Trail.
A Stamp-Worthy Legacy
Each of these photographers has a unique story, but they all share a deep reverence for the Appalachian Trail. Their images, now immortalized on Forever stamps, can inspire others to explore, appreciate, and protect this national treasure.
Get Your A.T. Stamps
A.T. stamps and other philatelic products can be purchased through The Postal Store, by calling 844-737-7826, by mail through USA Philatelic or at Post Office locations nationwide. For officially licensed stamp products, shop the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on Amazon. Additional information on stamps, First Day of Issue Ceremonies and stamp inspired products can be found at StampsForever.com
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Learn more about each of the 14 states the Appalachian Trail passes through, from cool facts to essential information for your next hiking trip.
OUR WORK
Science & Stewardship
Appalachian Trail management encompasses the on-the-ground stewardship performed by volunteers and agency partners to maintain the Trail, its structures, and its natural and cultural resources.
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Leave No Trace
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