It is owned and administered by the State Division of Natural Areas and Preserves and comprises 2,019 acres (817 ha).

The valley is a small gorge, located in southerly extensions of the same geological series of rocks that forms the Hocking Hills Region.

The stream that drains the lake is a tributary of Little Salt Creek, which flows through the eastern end of the reserve.

The western portion of the preserve is off-limits to visitors, and is reserved for scientific research.

This Jackson County, Ohio state location article is a stub.