The river alternates between fast flowing portions in steep sided gorges to slower movement through post-glacial sand flats.

The river begins in the southern extension of Algonquin Provincial Park at Yorkend Lake, in geographic Clyde Township in the municipality of Dysart et al, Haliburton County.

[6] The river continues northeast into geographic Carlow Township in the municipality of Carlow/Mayo, passes over the Conroy Rapids and enters the Conroy Marsh, a 24 km2 (9 sq mi) provincially significant wetland.

In the second half of the 19th century, the river was used to transport logs out of the forests surrounding its watershed.

Group of Seven artist A. J. Casson painted a number of scenes from this region, including one titled "Conroy Marsh" and several along the York River itself.