Raccoons are nocturnal animals and usually avoid people.  They can be pests though and are especially corageous in areas where they are protected. 

Raising food sacks off the ground will keep your food safe from raccoons in addition to bears.  However, you also want to keep the food sack away from tree branches raccoons can get to.  Their diet consists of grubs, grasshoppers, crickets, nuts and grapes, small rodents, bird eggs, young birds, frogs, crayfish, turtles, clams, worms and fish. 

They usually stay away from shelters along the AT and are generally observed near wooded streams.  They are 2 to 3 feet long, 8 to 16 inches tall, and can weigh up to 48 pounds. 

Raccoons are feisty when cornered or threatened, so be sure to avoid confrontations with them.