Rep. Bruce Westerman (AR-04)

The opportunity to represent the Fourth District of Arkansas is an honor and privilege that I do not take lightly. My time spent across the district allows me to meet with the men and women who make up the heart of our nation, and their stories and struggles only fuel my desire to serve them and our district well in Congress. While I certainly find my time spent with these Arkansans to be the highlight of my time in the district, I also enjoy any opportunity I can get to take in Arkansas’ natural beauty – and we are certainly blessed to have an abundance of it! 

I recently held my first Fall Foliage Tour, where I visited many areas across the Fourth District that boast the stunning autumnal beauty of the Natural State, bringing scores of tourists to Arkansas every year. As an avid outdoorsman, I was especially looking forward to spending my time taking in stunning views, observing the wildlife, and hiking along some of Arkansas’ most famous trails. 

An early morning spent at Boxley Valley was an excellent way to start off my tour. Visitors from across the state often make their way to this area to photograph the wildlife that appear in the early mornings and afternoons. As the fog rolled in from surrounding hills and the rising sun peeked over the treetops, I waited in earnest for sightings of elk, taking in the quiet of the morning. There’s something special about sitting in the stillness of an early morning, reflecting on the promise and hope of a new day that comes with the sunrise.

After my time watching for elk, I made my way to the Hawksbill Crag trailhead to hike to one of the most beautiful and photographed sights in all of Arkansas: Whitaker Point. Standing on the overhang looking out upon the shades of amber, gold, and rust colors of fall foliage was a breathtaking sight. Following my hike through Hawksbill Crag, I visited Cliff House Inn in Jasper, right off the scenic Highway 7, where I took in the stunning views Arkansas has to offer of the Ozark Mountains and Arkansas Grand Canyon.

My Fall Foliage Tour ended with a hike to the renowned Hemmed-in Hollow, beginning in the Ponca Wilderness at the Compton Trailhead and ending at the base of the sandstone bluffs along the Buffalo River, where the Hemmed-in Hollow falls stand tall at 210 feet, making it the highest waterfall between the Rockies and Appalachian mountains. Although the waterfall wasn’t flowing in its fullest form due to lack of rain, it was still an incredible sight that made the tedious hike worthwhile. 

I’m always proud of Arkansas and its abundance of natural resources, wildlife, and outdoor recreation opportunities, but spending time dedicated to truly enjoying each of these things – in person – is always rewarding. No one understands the blessing of outdoor recreation quite like Arkansans, which is why I am proud to represent such a beautiful district. We have a mandate to steward this land well so future generations can enjoy all the beauty that our Natural State has to offer. I remain committed to championing legislation in Congress to expand outdoor recreation opportunities for Arkansans and Americans across the country.

Boxley Valley

Whitaker Point

Buffalo National River

Hemmed-In Hollow