The East Inlet of Second Connecticut Lake is surrounded by excellent coniferous forest that hosts many specialty species in higher densities than other areas of the state.

The dam is a good place to launch a canoe, which is certainly worthwhile.

If the gate beyond the dam is open, you may drive down it, although it is primarily used by forestry vehicles, so the road can be rough. If the gate is closed, you may walk in. Much of the forest beyond the gate is comprised almost entirely of Black and Red Spruce, Balsam Fir, and Paper Birch, making it an ideal habitat for boreal species.

Approximately 1.5 miles past the gate, there is an old logging road (now an overgrown, often wet path) that starts on the left (North) side of the road and heads into the Norton Pool Preserve. This path holds perhaps the greatest chances of finding a Spruce Grouse anywhere in the state, and all of the boreal species can be found here at least as frequently as along the main road. Not far from the road, the path forks and the left fork takes you to the edge of the moose pasture, a somewhat open, forested bog.

To reach East Inlet from Second Connecticut Lake, head north along US-3 until you reach a dirt road on the right labeled East Inlet Road. This road is 10 miles north of the first Connecticut Lake Picnic Area, 3 miles north of the second Connecticut Lake picnic area, and 5 miles south of the Canadian border. When East Inlet Road road reaches a T-junction, take a right to head towards East Inlet. East Inlet dam and parking area are about 1.2 miles on the left.