Formed by glaciation, the Exploits River flows eastward through the valley, framed by low hills from the high plateau in the centre of the island.
The lower part of the valley hosts a dense, primarily evergreen, forest and large mammals such as woodland caribou, moose and black bears, as well as habitat for smaller animals and birds.
The Newfoundland Railway was constructed across the river at Bishop's Falls during the early 1890s, marking the beginning of industrial development in the valley.
This electricity powered local communities and a large pulp and paper mill in Grand Falls during the early 20th century.
During the mid-1960s the Trans-Canada Highway project constructed Route 1 through the lower part of the valley between Bishop's Falls and Badger.