The Hahnenkamm is located at the southwestern border of the Franconian Jura with the foothills extending in northwestern direction. On its eastern side, it is bordered by the Altmühl valley, on the western side by the Ries impact crater and Wörnitz valley. Two streams, Westliche Rohrach and Östliche Rochrach, run through the region with the first one supplying the artificial lake Hahnenkammsee. Highest point of the Hahnenkamm and the Franconian Jura as a whole is the Dürrenberg. The largest municipality is Treuchtlingen.