This river of the Middle Vaal System is a good place for fishing, especially the local Largemouth Yellowfish.

In its upper course the Vals River flows roughly northwards, bending northwestwards across the highveld towards Lindley and meandering across the plain.

In its middle course there are a number of weirs as it flows mostly through areas of dryland crops and its waters are used for irrigation.

The Vals receives a number of small tributaries, the most important of which are the Blomspruit and the Liebenbergstroom.

It finally meets the Vaal after crossing the city of Kroonstad.