 MD 23 begins at an intersection with US 1 (Hickory Bypass) in Hickory.The state highway heads west as two-lane undivided East–West Highway, passing south of a park and ride lot serving MTA Maryland commuter buses.MD 23 passes through a commercial area where the highway intersects US 1 Business (Conowingo Road) and Water Tower Way before the road passes through a narrow forested corridor.