Cwmcarn is situated near Crosskeys in Caerphilly county, South Wales. The village is bordered by Abercarn to the north, Pontywaun to the south, Mynyddislwyn to the west and Mynydd Henllys to the east. It lies on the banks of the Ebbw river, which flows through Risca before entering the Severn estuary at Cardiff Bay.

There are many walks close by, and the Ebbw Valley Walk and the Raven Walk pass through Cwmcarn.

The Cwmcarn Forest Drive sits to the east of the village and has attracted many visitors in previous years for its spectacular views of the hills and forests of Caerphilly. The routes can either be taken by car, bike or on foot, and include the Raven Walk, where you will find four different raven sculptures each inscribed with letters from the ancient Ogham alphabet. Pubs and shops are also dotted along the way.