U.S. Route 40, the National Road, crosses the township, leading southeast to Cumberland, Maryland, and northwest to Uniontown, the Fayette County seat.

Chestnut Ridge forms the western border of the township, with the highest point reaching 2,778 feet (847 m) above sea level.

Wharton Township is the home of Fort Necessity, the famous French and Indian War site at which George Washington lost his only battle as a commander.

The grave of British general Edward Braddock is located nearby, as is Mount Washington Tavern, a former hotel from the 19th century National Road.

The area is home to two Christian communities known as the Bruderhof known as Spring Valley and New Meadow Run.

The resort's Mystic Rock golf course played home to the PGA event known as the 84 Lumber Classic.