Lawmakers head from the campaign trail to the Appalachian trail

Three House Republicans will be hitting the trail this summer — the Appalachian Trail.

Reps. French Hill (R-Ark.) and Phil Roe (R-Tenn.) will travel to Maine this weekend to campaign on behalf of Rep. Bruce Poliquin (R-Maine).

{mosads}The three also plan to celebrate the National Park Service Centennial by hiking Mount Katahdin, the highest peak in Maine and the iconic northern end of the Appalachian Trail.

Both Hill and Roe are Eagle Scouts and avid outdoorsmen.

“I’m a proud supporter of the NPS Centennial that encourages Americans to do 100 miles on park trails,” said Hill, who is working toward a personal goal of climbing the tallest mountain in all 50 states.

Hill sits on the advisory board of the Theodore Roosevelt Association, honoring the ideals of a president and national parks advocate he’s long admired.

“He showed a passion for the outdoors,” Hill said, making them kindred spirits.

Roe said that he tries to spend time on the trail whenever possible, which runs through his district and is only 25 minutes from his home.

The 1st congressional district of Tennessee is also home to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, America’s most visited national park.

“They’re going to be around for my grandchildren long after I’m gone,” he said.

Both lawmakers, though, are also focused on the task ahead of them, helping Poliquin, who faces a tough reelection bid. The Cook Political Report has rated the race a “Republican Toss-Up.”

Poliquin is in his first term representing Maine’s 2nd congressional district. His Democratic opponent Emily Cain previously served in Maine’s House of Representatives and Senate.

Hill praised Poliquin, whom he’s worked with on the Financial Services Committee.

“I’ve never met a harder-working member of Congress,” he said.

But when the campaigning is done, will the lawmakers talk politics out in the wilderness?

“We are what we are — we never fully leave the office,” Hill said.

“It depends on the elevation change,” said Roe. “I much prefer breathing.”

This story was updated at 1:02 p.m.