The watershed covers a highly diverse area in terms of history, demographics, land use, and cultural landscapes.

From the rural and nearly pristine northern lands of North Smithfield, the river also gathers water from the rapidly expanding communities of Smithfield and Glocester. The river's exit from Smithfield and formation of the border between Johnston and North Providence is marked by more densely packed urbanization. It then enters the City of Providence's Olneyville neighborhood and onward under the Providence Place Mall to form Waterplace Park and the centerpiece of Providence's Waterfire exhibit.