The river rises on the northern slopes of the Nandewar Range, below Mount Kaputar, and flows generally southeast and north, joined by six tributaries before reaching its confluence with the Gwydir River, north west of Bingara; descending 1,060 metres (3,480 ft) over its 134 kilometres (83 mi) course.[2]
The valley of the Horton River is used for grazing and some cropping. It is a sparsely populated area with no significant towns. There is a small village called Upper Horton. The valley is traversed by the Narrabri-Bingara Road. Other nearby towns, outside the valley, are Barraba, Bingara, and Narrabri.
The Horton River is a[citation needed] source of floodwater for the Gwydir River and Mehi River and can flood the town Moree.