Appalachian Trail stamp series planned

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has released a list of its new stamps for 2025 that includes a set of 15 stamps commemorating each of the 14 states through which the Appalachian Trail runs.

Those familiar with the local leg of the trail may recognize the landmarks used for the New Jersey and New York stamps.

The New Jersey stamp shows the “boardwalk” in Vernon in an image taken by Jenna Foster.

The New York stamp shows an image of Fitzgerald Falls in Monroe taken by Chester-based photographer Angelo Marcialis.

Antonio Alcalá, an art director for USPS, designed the stamps around those images.

Marcialis has been a Chester resident since 1991 and moved to the area to be closer to Middletown where he worked as an instrumental music teacher. He also worked in the Chester school district.

Marcialis said he got heavily into photography after his retirement in 2014.

When asked how it felt to have one of his photos enshrined in stamp form, he said, “I was completely taken by surprise when I received an email from the USPS that one of my photographs was selected for inclusion to the 2025 stamp program, including the Appalachian Trail.

“I don’t like to brag about myself, but my family and friends were emphatic about this being a big deal, so I shared this on my various social media platforms. Needless to say; I am quite honored by this selection.”

Marcialis thinks the USPS found his photos via a past Shutterstock photo because he did not submit anything formally.

When pressed to share his favorite Hudson Valley spots to photograph, he said, “That’s a difficult question to answer as there are so many beautiful locations to choose from. Some favorites that come to mind are Harriman State Park, Kowawese Unique Area in New Windsor, Bashakill Wetlands in Wurtsboro and Little Stony Point in Cold Spring.”

The exact issue date for the stamps has not been announced, and the USPS said the designs may change.