Maxatawny is a name derived from a Native American language purported to mean "bear's path creek".

Its villages include Bowers, Hinterleiter, Maxatawny, Mill Creek Corner, and Monterey.

Maxatawny Township has a hot-summer humid continental climate (Dfa) and the hardiness zone is 6b, except in some areas north of 222, where it is 6a.

[7] On December 28, 2012, it was announced Maxatawny Township would form its own police department.

The new department would be led by one officer for the time being who would be in charge of ordinance enforcement and traffic studies, with the Pennsylvania State Police handling emergency calls and arrests in the township.

The ordinance that was passed put the framework in place for a department to be created in the future.

[8] In May 2013, supervisors mailed a survey to residents to gauge whether they supported funding a township police department, at a total cost near $2 million.

There is a notable presence of Pennsylvania Dutch culture in the township, despite growing diversity in from those relocated from regional metropolitan areas.

Bowers Chili Pepper Festival is held annually each September in DeLong Park.