The northern two-third of the township is in the Cumberland Valley, while the southern third extends up the slopes of South Mountain.

Yellow Breeches Creek, a tributary of the Susquehanna River, flows from west to east across the center of the township.

U.S. Route 11 forms the northern border of the township, and Interstate 81 runs parallel to it across the northern part of the township, with access from Exit 37 (Pennsylvania Route 233).

The township contains the unincorporated communities of Centerville, Cumminstown, Hockersville, Hays Grove, Longsdorf, Huntsdale, Brushtown, and Cobblesville.

16.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.