Poised on the edge of the highland plateau above the Cabot Trail between Indian Brook and French River, French River Wilderness Area protects many outstanding values, including a concentration of unique boreal plateau landforms, old-growth hemlock terraces, deciduous slopes and rare plants.

Indian Brook, French Brook and Little River, show striking natural features, which include steep talus-covered slopes, head walls, gorges, ravines, cliffs, exposed geological formations, deep pools, rapids, river benches, terraces, and flood plains. A variety of outstanding forest ecosystems are found along the canyons and steep slopes of these canyons, with numerous deciduous old-growth sites containing trees over 100 years old. old-growth eastern hemlock reaching over 300 years old are also present.

The outstanding natural sites, spectacular views and unique terrain of this area provide ideal opportunities for wilderness hiking and exploration, although with no currently established trails, access is limited and difficult.