Will “Akuna” Robinson (Photo: Ilana Panich-Linsman)
Army Veteran Will “Akuna” Robinson battled depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder after his medical discharge in 2003. After serving six months in Iraq and undergoing medical treatment in Germany, he returned to Louisiana disabled at just 23 years old.
Seeking solace and inspiration, he embarked on a hike on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2016. This marked the beginning of his long-distance hiking journey, covering over 11,000 miles, including the PCT, Appalachian Trail, and Continental Divide Trail.
Hiking provided a powerful therapeutic outlet for his mental health struggles, and earned him recognition as the first Black American man to achieve the Triple Crown of thru-hiking.
Robinson’s first long-distance hike on the Pacific Crest Trail was a pivotal moment. He revealed, “I learned that I was capable of living, I was capable of leading. I was capable of inspiring and motivating people, something I had completely lost for over a decade.”
Embracing solitude on the Pacific Crest Trail, Robinson found himself peeling back emotional layers as he continued his journey. Inspired by Cheryl Strayed’s memoir, “Wild,” and Reese Witherspoon’s portrayal of the Pacific Crest Trail in the movie adaptation, he sought a future filled with adventure. Without hesitation, he obtained a long-distance permit and embarked on a personal quest of self-discovery and recovery.
Despite a dislocated knee forcing him to stop the Pacific Crest Trail at Mount Whitney, Robinson’s passion for long-distance hiking remained unyielding. In 2017, he returned to complete the Pacific Crest Trail and continued to achieve remarkable milestones. In 2019, he completed the Triple Crown of thru-hiking by conquering the Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, and Continental Divide Trail.
For Robinson, the healing power of hiking extended beyond physical benefits. On the trails, Akuna found healing and rediscovered a sense of purpose in life. Nature provided a sanctuary for his mental well-being and provided him relief from depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
The outdoors also fostered a strong sense of community for Robinson, similar to the camaraderie he experienced during his military service. On the trail, he found support from fellow hikers, forming lasting bonds with individuals who shared similar challenges and aspirations.
Robinson’s journey has inspired countless others, especially those who may feel underrepresented in the outdoor community. By sharing his story, he aims to encourage people like himself, Black Americans, Veterans, and those struggling with mental health, to embrace the healing potential of nature and pursue their own adventures.
As August approaches, Akuna is gearing up for his next adventure, a southbound journey on the Appalachian Trail, starting in Maine and ending in Georgia. He expects this trek to take around 4 to 4 ½ months, and he looks forward to once again finding peace and healing on the trails.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
