The western half of the township is part of the Great Appalachian Valley, an agricultural area with elevations in the township ranging from 650 to 1,100 feet (200 to 340 m), while the eastern half is on the slopes and crests of South Mountain, the highest point of which is the summit of Snowy Mountain, with an elevation exceeding 2,080 feet (630 m).

Pennsylvania Route 997 crosses the center of the township, leading north through Mont Alto to Scotland, and south to Waynesboro.

Pennsylvania Route 316 passes through the western part of the township, leading north to Chambersburg, the county seat, and south to Waynesboro.

Pennsylvania Route 233 runs east from Mont Alto through the northern part of the township, passing Mont Alto State Park and leading north into Guilford Township and then to Caledonia State Park.

The unincorporated community of Old Forge is located in the southeastern part of the township, where the East Branch of Antietam Creek emerges from South Mountain.