Chno Dearg is situated to the east of Loch Treig in the high ground between the loch and Strath Ossian. It reaches a height of 1046 metres (3432 feet) and qualifies as a Munro and a Marilyn. It is not regarded as a particularly striking hill, being described in the SMCs Munro guide as a rounded and featureless hill, its convex slopes giving a monotonous climb to the summit. The neighbouring Munro of Stob Coire Sgriodain with which Chno Dearg is usually climbed is considered a more exciting hill even though it is 70 metres lower in altitude.