Interview with Rocky Racoon

Rocky Racoon is a 25-year-old backpacking guide from Ohio. He began his hike in Alabama along the Pinhoti and Benton MacKaye Trails, eventually reaching the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail and continuing north from there. Rocky was hiking with a six-person tramily. The interview was conducted at Partnership Shelter on the AT in Virginia. 

Rocky Racoon with his hiking buddy Millie the Racoon on his pack

What was your motivation for hiking the AT?

It sounded like a lot of fun. I started hiking in the Boy Scouts, and I've always loved backpacking as a way to push beyond what I've done before. So, the AT was a greater challenge I wanted to tackle.

What do you enjoy most about hiking, and how do you deal with the more difficult days?

No matter how hard the day is, something will happen by the end of the day that makes the day really good. Or there will just be something beautiful for you to see if you just keep walking for 20 or 30 minutes more. So there’s always a bright side to the day, even if it's hard in one moment.

What is the story behind your trail name?

The trail name was Rocky Raccoon and that really just comes from having the stuffed raccoon on my pack. The raccoon is my hiking buddy. So I'm never alone. And it’s name is Mildred or Millie.