Waterfall Forever StampsPhoto byUnited States Postal Service LURAY, Va. – The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) recently unveiled new Forever stamps, including one that features a popular Virginia hiking spot.
The Waterfall Forever stamps feature 12 United States waterfalls. One stamp pays tribute to a “fan favorite” of Shenandoah National Park visitors – Dark Hollow Falls.
The Dark Hollow Falls trail is a 1.4 mile circuit located in the park’s “middle part” (or central district). Circuits are trips in which hikers walk from the trailhead to the point of interest, and then return via the same route. The trailhead (the location where you start the hike), is next to a large parking area at MP 50.7 on Skyline Drive. Byrd Visitor Center is nearby.
This trail is short, but very steep and rocky. If you only have flip-flops or you’re in a hurry, this hike might not be the best choice. Proper footwear (with good ankle support) is recommended. The return climb can be challenging. Know your limits, take your time and budget at least an hour to complete the entire trail. On especially hot days, take a bottle of water or two along. You’ll be glad you did. Pets are not permitted on this hike, which tends to be especially crowded on weekends, holidays and the month of October.
Waterfalls and their beauty are a perennial favorite of both amateur and professional photographers. The Dark Hollow Falls stamp photo is credited to Quang-Tuan Luong.
Shenandoah National Park offers more than a dozen waterfalls within its boundaries. While best experienced in the spring or after a period of hard rain, they’re visitor favorites year-round.
"The Postal Service is proud to celebrate the natural world through our stamps, and these gorgeous new stamps will bring the beauty of these waterfalls to millions of people," said Michael J. Elston, USPS Secretary of the Board of Governors, via a written statement.
Other waterfalls featured on the new Forever Stamps include: Deer Creek Falls (Grand Canyon National Park, AZ), Nevada Fall (Yosemite National Park, CA), Harrison Wright Falls (Ricketts Glen State Park, PA), The Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River (Yellowstone National Park, WY), Waimoku Falls (Haleakalā National Park, HI), Stewart Falls (Mount Timpanogos Wilderness, UT), Niagara Falls (Niagara Falls State Park, NY) is one of North America's natural wonders. Its force is enormous: 3,160 tons of water flows over the falls every second.Grotto Falls (Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN), Sunbeam Falls (Mount Rainier National Park, WA), LaSalle Canyon Waterfall (Starved Rock State Park, IL) and Upper Falls (Blue Ridge Parkway, NC).
According to its website, the U.S. Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. Customers may purchase the Waterfall Forever stamps via usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826.
For more information about trails in Shenandoah National Park (including maps to print or save on your phone), visit www.nps.gov/shen and click on “Go Hiking” or call park headquarters (Monday thru Friday) at 540 999-3500.
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