Program Descriptions

Here you will find descriptions for each beautiful episode of Windows to the Wild.

Season Five

501 Acadia's Beehive

The Beehive at Acadia National Park can be seen towering over the horizon from Sand Beach. Host Willem Lange takes a morning hike across the beach to the Beehive trailhead. The path climbs directly up open ledges to the Summit of the Beehive, a one-way distance of less than half a mile and a vertical climb of over 500 feet.

502 Acadia's Vanishing Trail

Leave it to Willem to locate this very unique trail that is only visible three hours a day. Only at low tide can you hike this trail to an island half a mile out in Bar Harbor at Acadia National Park. The trail to Bar Island is part of the National Park trail system, but it's not promoted because each year hikers become stranded by the returning tides that submerge the trail in 6 – 8 feet of water.

504 Students at St. Gaudens

America's National Parks attract millions of visitors every year from around the world. Along with those people comes the need to maintain the parks. For decades, the Student Conservation Association (SCA) has been there to keep the parks running smoothly. Join host Willem Lange as he visits Saint-Gaudens Historical Site to talk with the founder of the SCA and some of the students who volunteer to keep these parks a national treasure.

505 Deep Travel on the Merrimack

Join host Willem Lange as he paddles a canoe through Manchester's mill region with David Leff, author of "Deep Travel," which describes how to get away from the routine of everyday life -- in your own backyard. Enjoy the wonders of the Merrimack as they observe nature, culture, and discuss the colorful history of this region. Visit David Leff's blog to find out more about "Deep Travel".

Season Four

401 Ice Climbing on Frankenstein Cliffs

Join host Lisa Densmore and Rick Wilcox of International Mountain Equipment in North Conway, as they brave the treacherously icy Frankenstein Cliffs in the White Mountains. Crawford Notch is one of the most popular and challenging ice climbing areas in New Hampshire.

402 The Republic of Indian Stream

Host Willem Lange travels north to the small town of Pittsburg to explore the Republic of Indian Stream. This section of property was a small, constitutional republic that existed from 1832 to 1835 on the border of the United States and Canada. Described as Indian Stream Territory, the area was named after Indian Stream, a small river that flowed through the region.

403 Bridle Path to Greenleaf

Host Willem Lange and his daughter Virginia hike the Old Bridle Path in Franconia Notch State Park. The path once served as a horse trail from the Notch to the Old Summit House, which provided shelter for climbers, but only the house's foundation remains. After enjoying the views from the top of Mount Lafayette, they spend a relaxing night in the AMC Greenleaf Hut just below the summit.

404 A Journey Down the Missisquoi

Host Willem Lange and friends take a canoe trip down the Missisquoi River, which begins in Enosburg, Falls, Vermont, near the Canadian border. The 80-mile long river rises in north-central Vermont and flows north, as if it were looking for a way west through the Green Mountains. The Missisquoi is part of the newly-established Northern Forest Canoe Trail, which runs for over 700 miles from Old Forge, New York to Fort Kent, Maine.

405 Mount Washington Hotel's Green Roof Project

The most famous attraction at the Mt. Washington Hotel is, of course, the mountain. Mt. Washington, the highest of the Presidential Range, peers down on guests and visitors from the hotel's backyard. If you'd like to experience the flora and fauna of the alpine region but don't want to go hiking, just take the stairs to the roof of the hotel's conference center and spa. The roof has been transformed into a "green roof," replicating the alpine region typical of Mt. Washington. Cairns, soil and flowers found in the alpine region of Mt. Washington can now be found on the roof over one wing of the hotel. Host Willem Lange explores the great outdoors of the Mt. Washington's Green Roof.

406 Acadia's Great Head Trail

It's a beautiful morning in Acadia National Park. As daylight spreads across the beaches of Acadia, host Willem Lange is already making his way to Great Head Trail. This trail loops around the perimeter of the small peninsula called Great Head located on the east side of Sand Beach in the park. During the hike Willem is reminded of his teaching days with Outward Bound when the beaches of Acadia were the playground of sea birds and seals.

407 Mizpah Spring Hike

Join host Willem Lange and his guest Rob Burbank, director of public affairs at the Appalachian Mountain Club, as they make their way up the Crawford Path to AMC's Mizpah Spring Hut at 3,800 feet. The Mizpah Hut served as an oasis from a spring storm as Willem and Rob needed to escape a sudden downpour on their 2.6 mile hike up Mount Clinton.

408 Soaring the Thermals

It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Willem? Join host Willem Lange as he glides the thermals demonstrating the science of effortless flight for hawks and other soaring birds. This program is only a small part of a feature documentary where Willem explores the migration of the broad-winged hawk from New Hampshire to South America.

409 Acadia, Cadillac Mountain

Join Windows to the Wild host Willem Lange as he hikes up Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park in heavy fog, located on the northern coast of Maine. The views of the park from Cadillac are spectacular and if you get there early enough, you can also witness the first sunrise on the east coast (from October to March).

410 Climbing Katahdin

Katahdin means "the greatest mountain," a fitting name for the breath-taking finish to the famous Appalachian Trail. Named by the Penobscot Indians, Mount Katahdin at Baxter State Park in Northern Maine is one of the tallest mountains in the region. Host Lisa Densmore hikes into Chimney Pond, the base camp for the mighty Mount Katahdin.

411 Exploring White Rocks

Host Lisa Densmore explores the spectacular scenery and unique features of the 36,000-acre White Rocks National Recreation Area in Wallingford, VT. Whether you prefer a steep hike to a mountaintop view or a quiet stroll through the woods to a remote meadow, White Rocks Area has the trail for you.

412 Hampton Beach Revisited

The sandy playground is a haven for surfers, sunbathers and devoted runners. But chances are you've never seen it like this – foggy mornings, quiet evenings, and lots of surf in between.

413 Hiking Up Cardigan to High Cabin

High Cabin, a two-mile hike up Mt. Cardigan, is a popular rustic retreat for backcountry enthusiasts who are looking for a secluded escape with breathtaking scenery. Host Willem Lange explores the trails and state forest of Mt. Cardigan.

414 Handicapped at the Highland

Windows to the Wild host Willem Lange explores his outdoor options at the Appalachian Mountain Club's Highland Center. After being laid up all winter with a bad leg, Willem is determined to see what type of activities and accommodations would be available for an injured or handicapped outdoors enthusiast like himself.

Season Three

301 Gulf Hagas

Explore the spectacular Gulf Hagas and enjoy a stay at the Little Lyford Pond Wilderness Camp in northern Maine in this breath-taking episode of Windows to the Wild. Host Willem Lange travels to Gulf Hagas, known as the "Grand Canyon of Maine" and shares stunning views of the canyon and its many waterfalls and rapids.

302 Rafting the Rapid River

Travel to the North Country with Windows to the Wild host Willem Lange and experience a thrilling whitewater rafting ride down the Rapid River into Lake Umbagog. Prepare for a wild ride as Willem takes on the raging river that includes an awe-inspiring 3.5-mile section of Class III-IV whitewater rapids.

303 Discovering the Cohos Trail

Windows to the Wild host Willem Lange hikes along New Hampshire's Cohos Trail, a 162 mile-long trail system that begins south of Crawford Notch State Park and ends at the Fourth Connecticut Lake along the Canadian border. This remote trail leads to its Canadian brother, the Sentiers frontaliers route, and part of the International Hiking Trail System.

304 Seals Off Our Shores

Learn about the dramatic comeback of New England's seal population in this episode of Windows to the Wild. Once, nearly hunted to extinction, these adorable sea-creatures are now thriving thanks to the dedicated work of the individuals profiled.

305 Our Rocky Coast

Explore the wonderful underwater world of the rocky New England coast with Windows to the Wild host Willem Lange. Willem introduces Wendy Lull, President of The Seacoast Science Center, who discusses a project to film the intriguing creatures living along our coastline.

306 Hiking Up Mt. Madison

Take a hike along the Airline Trail with Windows to the Wild host Willem Lange. Willem winds his way up Mt. Madison and enjoys an evening at the famous Madison Spring Hut. Enjoy the sights and sounds of this rustic hut situated in a field of tall grass and alpine flowers.

307 Moose Whisperer

Prepare for a unique view of the world of moose as Windows to the Wild host Willem Lange tags along with a modern day "moose whisperer." Charles Willey, wildlife photographer and former Fish & Game biologist, grew up in the Great North Woods and has been studying the moose population around Colebrook his whole life. Wiley, who has witnessed moose behaviors most of us will never see, heads out into the woods in search of wild moose.

308 Mt. Moosilauke, Hiking with Dogs

Enjoy a beautiful fall morning hike with Windows to the Wild host Lisa Densmore and her dog, Riot. Joined by Tom Burack, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Services, Lisa and Riot set out from the east side of Mt. Moosilauke at the Dartmouth Outing Club's Ravine Lodge. Join Lisa and Tom as they set out on a fantastic adventure up the historic mountain trial lead by the exuberant pup, Riot.

309 Waterfalls of the White Mountains

Hunt for the biggest and the best waterfalls in the White Mountains with Windows to the Wild host Willem Lange. In this stunning episode, Willem explores the best waterfalls including the tallest, Arethusa Falls, and the most impressive, Glen Ellis Falls.

310 Kayaking the Pawtuckaway

Windows to the Wild host Willem Lange tries his hand at kayaking, learning the basics of this popular sport with kayaking instructor, Shawn Roche. Together, they paddle the serene 800-acre Pawtuckaway Lake located in the Pawtuckaway State Park in Nottingham.

311 Spring in New England

Awaken to the beauty and simplicity of early spring in this magical episode of Windows to the Wild. Watch as Windows to the Wild captures the last images of winter melting away and reveals the enlivening arrival of spring in New England.

312 Hiking up to Galehead

The White Mountain's Gale River trail leads Windows to the Wild host Willem Lange to the Appalachian Mountain Club's famous Galehead Hut. Once his gear is stowed away in the hut, Willem hikes a short distance up the Frost Trail to the summit of Galehead for a breath-taking view of the Pemigewasset wilderness area.

314 Memories of Hurricane Island

Take a trip back in time with Windows to the Wild host Willem Lange and his wife Ida as they return to Hurricane Island, where they lived and instructed students in character development through self- discovery, while raising their own children. The couple walks along the historical Outward Bound paths of the remote island off the coast of Maine; reminiscing about the wonderful times they spent living so close to nature.

315 In Search of the Blueback Trout

What is a blueback trout? Join Windows to the Wild host Willem Lange as he searches for the elusive fish, which makes its home near the North Country's Red River Camps. This 22,000-acre parcel of true wilderness, owned by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, is located outside of Portage in northern Maine. It is the perfect place to find the blueback trout, which is native to northwestern Maine in the headwaters of the St. John and Penobscot rivers.

316 The Legend of Mount Chocorua

Mount Chocorua is a popular destination for hikers. Although it is less than 3,500 feet in elevation, its rocky summit commands excellent views in all directions. Windows to the Wild host Willem Lange hikes the mountain trails exploring the legend of an Indian Chief named Chocorua, who uttered a curse upon the land as he was forced to plunge from the summit.

Season Two:

201 Traveling Down the Connecticut

Host Willem Lange takes a relaxing paddle down New England's longest river. Listen to the gentle lapping of water against the canoe, as Willem shares a bit of the history and geology of this magnificent resource.

202 Camping on the Connecticut

Windows to the Wild makes an excursion on the Connecticut River. Host Willem Lange stops on Howard Island to set up camp.

203 Isle of Shoals

Just an hour boat ride off the New Hampshire seacoast lies an archipelago of nine, small rocky islands that is one of the most beautiful and unique places in the world. Windows to the Wild introduces you to a group of hearty scientists and students dedicated to preserving and studying these Isles of Shoals.

204 Blueberry Picking

William Lange visits Blue Job Mountain, where he takes time to pause and appreciate the beauty of this site and sample the wild blueberries. Also, meet Ingeborg Seaboyer, a Department of Forests and Lands biologists who discusses the ways the Department has been conserving this beautiful natural area.

205 Lakes of the Clouds

On this Windows to the Wild, Willem Lange travels from the busy summit of Mount Washington to the Lakes of the Clouds Hut a mile and a half below. Willem explores the means to reach the summit with a look at the Cog Railway, the Mount Washington Auto Road, and hiking trails. Then, take a tour of the buildings on the summit. Finally, admire the alpine flowers that thrive above the tree line.

206 Lonesome Lake

Join host Willem Lange as he and Rob Burbank from AMC hike up to Lonesome Lake to do some fishing and stay in the rustic comfort of the Lonesome Lake Hut.

207 Zealand Hike

Spectacular views await as Willem Lange treks up to beautiful Zealand Falls, nestled in the White Mountains. Learn about the devastating forest fires that ravaged this area over one hundred years ago.

208 The Cog Railway

Willem Lange takes a ride on the historic Mount Washington Cog Railway. This "cog" train takes passengers on a three-mile adventure straight up to the top of Mount Washington.

209 Apple Picking

Visit Demeritt Hill Farm in Lee, NH. Once struggling to stay in business, Demeritt Hill Farm began using a model they call agri-tourism to keep the farm going. Not only does the farm grow apples for the market, but the facility is also available to the public for recreation.

210 Carter Notch – Carter Notch Hike and Hut

One of the most unique hiking opportunities available in the state, the "19 Mile Trail" reveals a rocky, ever-changing landscape. Join Willem for camping in the AMC's Carter Notch Hut and learn the history, geology and beauty of this treasure of New Hampshire.

211 Rock Climbing Humphrey's Ledge

The Mount Washington Valley of New Hampshire offers some of the most diverse rock and ice climbing in the world. Brad White of the International Mountain Climbing School in North Conway will join Casey Blad for a dizzying trek up Humphrey's ledge. Along the way, they discuss the history of climbing in the Mount Washington Valley.

212 Medawisla Wilderness Camps

Join Windows to the Wild host Willem Lange as he explores the Appalachian Mountain Club's Medawisla Camp. Part of an AMC plan to preserve the sporting camp tradition in Maine's 100-mile wilderness region, Willem snowshoes to the cabin and enjoys a hearty meal and a rest by the fire.

213 Skiing Tuckerman's

Lisa Densmore hosts this edition of Windows to the Wild where she experiences skiing on Tuckerman Ravine on the southeast shoulder of Mount Washington. Famous for its spectacular scenery, deep snow and challenging hiking and skiing terrain, this mountain has no ski lifts and hikers much climb and carry all their equipment, food and cold weather gear.

214 Dogsledding in the Northern Wilderness

Windows to the Wild takes a dogsled ride through Maine's 100-mile wilderness in the Moosehead Lake region. Host Willem Lange dogsleds through some of Maine's most spectacular scenery.

215 Little Lyford Pond

Host Willem Lange unpacks his gear for stay at the Little Lyford Pond Wilderness Camp. Enjoy the adventure as Willem explores this unique camp which is owned by the Appalachian Mountain Club and is hidden in the backcountry way up in Northern Maine.

Season One:

101 Mount Kearsarge

Windows to the Wild visits Mount Kearsarge in Warner. Just under 3,000 feet in elevation, Kearsarge is home to some of the oldest granite in New Hampshire.

102 Hampton Beach

Chances are you have never seen Hampton Beach like this. Watch as devoted runners and wandering treasure hunters roust New Hampshire's sandy playground from its foggy sleep.

103 Umbagog Lake

Watch and listen to the world waking up during a beautiful morning sunrise on Lake Umbagog. With over 1,800 acres surrounded by mountains and virtually unbroken forest, Lake Umbagog is one of the most serene and pristine wild places in New England.

104 Blue Job Mountain

Carnivorous plants, spectacular views and the stunning sounds of nature at peace can be found on Blue Job Mountain.

105 Connecticut River

Travel the Connecticut River with Windows to the Wild. The river forms all but a tiny piece of the western boundary of New Hampshire and at 400 miles from its source to the sea, it's new England's longest river.

106 First Snow

After the leaves have fallen the days have shortened, the year's first snow slips quietly over hill and valley, and into our hearts.