Big Plains Wilderness Area protects woodlands along about 12 km of Indian River and a large wetland complex south of Head Lake, known as “Big Plains”

The “Big Plains” area consists of open and treed bogs and shrub-fens and is one of the defining features of this site. This wetland complex forms part of the headwaters of Indian River corridor. The woodlands along the river are comprised primarily of red maple, balsam fir, and black spruce.

This wilderness area provides habitat for the endangered mainland moose and contributes to representation of the Eastern Shore Quartzite Plain Natural Landscape in the provincial protected areas network.

A powerline corridor that cuts through the wilderness area near Rocky Deadwaters is managed and maintained under terms of a licence between Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change and Nova Scotia Power Inc.