The Cocagne River flows westward into Cocagne Bay in Kent County, New Brunswick, eventually draining into the Northumberland Strait. It is the only tributary of consequence feeding Cocagne Bay, and its lower reaches — roughly four miles up from the bay — are characterized by a fairly deep, well-defined channel that resembles an arm of the bay more than a conventional river. Beyond that point, the river narrows considerably and transitions into what is essentially a large stream.

A highway bridge at Notre Dame marks a notable reference point along the upper navigable section. Water level monitoring for the river is conducted at the Beersville gauge station (01BS001), which can be used to assess conditions before a trip.

Paddlers should be aware of a significant water quality concern: the entire river has been subject to closure for shellfish harvesting due to contamination from domestic pollution. While this restriction applies specifically to shellfish taking rather than paddling, it reflects ongoing water quality issues that paddlers may wish to factor into their planning, particularly regarding contact with the water.

The lower river and Cocagne Bay offer some degree of shelter, with Cocagne Cape and Cocagne Island providing protection to the east. The transition from the tidal, bay-like lower section to the narrower upper reaches gives the river a varied character depending on how far upstream a paddler ventures. Two trip reports are available through Paddling NB for those seeking additional route-specific detail.