The park contains various species of rare native New York State plants, and has been classified as an important area for birding, as over 100 species have been documented here. McClure creek, the source of Eagle Cliff Falls, has been designated a trout stream, and is thus protected to allow for migratory fish from Seneca Lake to safely spawn.

Eagle Cliff Falls is interesting in that it pours down from a deep gouge cut by the stream halfway into the gorge. Currently it sits in a hanging valley at least 60 ft below the towering cliffs on each side. The narrow notch cut by the creek above the falls propels the water at a formidable speed, keeping this falls strong year-round. The crest spans 15 feet across, and more than half the water that passes it rebounds off a smaller ledge a few feet below. The water then plunges out into the creek bed 40' below.

Surrounding the falls area is a seemingly enclosed cathedral of vertical rock, complete with towering spires, moss covered limestone and Eagle Cliff, a spread-wing eagle profile naturally carved into the rock face. The amphitheatre is so large, it gives the impression of the waterfall being very narrow, but step directly in front of the falls and you'll see that it is actually quite wide.

The area has a rich human history. The Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) flourished in the area, utilizing the glen's medicinal and edible plants, such as Goldenrod and Mayapple. Catherine Montour or Queen Catherine, was a matriarch of the Seneca tribe of the Iroquois during the late 1700’s. Known to be the daughter of a native Huron and a French official, she was well versed in both cultures. Since she could speak English in addition to native languages, she was influential in dealing with early white settlers in the area. Montour Falls was previously known as  'Catherine's Town,' but was destroyed during the Sullivan Expedition during the Revolutionary War. Rebuilt by non-native settlers, the town was then called Havana, and renamed Montour Falls in 1890. The village of Catherine and nearby Catherine Creek are also named after Queen Catherine.

Montour Falls was an important trade stop and travel hub in its early years. It played an important role on the Seneca Lake Inlet when the Chemung Canal was built in 1827. The Chemung Canal connected Seneca Lake with the Chemung River.

The development of Havana Glen as a scenic destination began with nearby Watkins Glen's growing popularity. A long-standing administrative rivalry between the village of Watkins Glen and Montour Falls (then Havana) extended to their natural wonders. As Watkins Glen brought in upwards of 60,000 visitors a year, entrepreneurs began developing Havana Glen to be an attraction of its own.