Torin and Paige Rouse, along with their dog Jack, are embarking on an extraordinary adventure. Known as the “Walking America Couple,” they have set out on a mission to walk across all lower 48 states.
Despite the challenges they face, such as wild drivers, sore bodies and broken down feet, the Rouses are determined to complete their journey on foot.
Having started their expedition in May 2022, the Missouri-based couple has already made it through 15 states. Torin estimates that it will take them approximately four years to complete the entire tour.
This ambitious endeavor was born out of Torin’s desire to find fulfillment after years of working for corporations. He decided to let go of all his possessions and embarked on a backpacking trip through the mountains in Colorado. This experience completely transformed his perspective, as he discovered that despite the hardships, he was happier than ever before.
“You don’t really know the strangers around you until you put yourself out there in some kind of way,” Torin told The Community Journal in an interview Tuesday afternoon at Jeff and Von’s Restaurant in Cordova.
The couple have been together for three years and have been married since February. The two met when Paige was a waitress for Torin. It was basically love at first sight.
“I told her she should get rid of everything that she owns and move into a backpack with me, because I was ready to take off and do something a little bit more intensive than I had been doing,” he said.
It took Paige a little time to be comfortable with walking the states, but the two decided they could do it and took off on the adventure.
“It’s been amazing so far,” she said.
The Rouses cover an average of 10-12 miles per day before setting up camp. They strategically plan their route, taking into consideration the seasons and efficiency, while avoiding major cities. The couple said Jasper was a large city compared to most they have trekked through.
“We let people know we were coming to Jasper on our Facebook page, and the support we have received here has been incredible,” Torin said.
The couple said Alabama had been one of their favorite states they’ve visited so far.
“The hospitality that we’ve received in Alabama has been very special to us,” Paige said. “We’ve met so many wonderful people. Everyone has been so nice to us in Alabama. It means a lot to us to see how many people are supporting us.”
The Rouses want their journey to be a positive thing for themselves as well as the people they meet along the way.
“We want to show people how much good there is out there. People have been way more kind and helpful than we ever expected when we started,” Paige added.
As they continue their cross-country trek, the couple hope to serve as an example that anything is possible when you set your mind to it. They left Cordova to continue south for the winter. Torin said the plan is to be in the south during the winter months before looping back up the east coast with Maine being their goals by next summer.
To keep up with their incredible journey, you can follow the Rouses on their Facebook page, YouTube and their website.
