The river originates in the hills surrounding the village of Penmachno.

[citation needed] The Snowdonia Slate Trail follows the whole length of the Machno Valley.

[citation needed] The area around the River Machno has a history of slate quarrying, which was a significant industry in North Wales during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Some remnants of old quarries and mining activities can still be found in the region.

This article related to a river in Wales is a stub.