Approximately 80% of the Cannings Falls Area of Natural and Scientific Interest is within the borders of the park; land acquisitions are planned to encompass it entirely.

The reserve is characterized by a till moraine and other glacial features, such as kames and kettles.

[3][4] A deeply cut tributary valley to the Nottawasaga River bisects the reserve through its centre.

The Niagara Escarpment's dolomite caprock (the Amabel Formation) can be seen in the upper parts of the gorge; rapids and waterfalls expose stratigraphic succession down to the Queenston Shale.

Due to the park's designation as a nature reserve, permitted activities are limited to hiking, and snowshoeing; no visitor facilities are present or planned.