The fall is produced by the Tail Burn flowing from Loch Skeen cascading into the Moffat Water in the lower valley below.

[1] The surrounding area forms the Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve, owned by the National Trust for Scotland.

Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve is situated along the Moffat Water Valley in the heart of the Southern Uplands.

The post-glacial landscape is an open mosaic of heather and rough grazing that includes 8 habitats of European importance and many plant species of international, national and regional significance.

Recognised as a Special Area of Conservation, Grey Mare's Tail Nature Reserve is popular with hill walkers, botanists and wildlife enthusiasts.