[citation needed] The highest peak on the plateau is Barren Mountain,[2] at an elevation of 1,437 metres (4,715 ft) AHD.

Richard Craig was the first European to arrive at the plateau, following the traditional indigenous route to Armidale from the Grafton area.

[3] Timbergetters followed Craig through the sub tropical rainforest and many sawmills grew due to demand for timber, initially the highly prized Australian Red Cedar (Toona australis).

The Dorrigo Plateau and surrounding Guy Fawkes River National Park area was created by successive basaltic lava flows from the Ebor Volcano covering the original granite base.

Weathering from high rainfall caused an escarpment to form as the more ancient rocks underneath remained intact.