It goes through Nelson, LaRue, Marion, Boyle, Garrard, Madison, Estill, Lee, and Breathitt counties.

It runs through Lebanon, Danville, Lancaster, Richmond, and Beattyville.

In 2005, the four-mile (6.4 km), five-lane stretch of KY 52 in Madison County was completed.

It now goes from the Richmond By-Pass to Charle Norris Road in Robinsville.

In Boyle County, the concrete deck of a bridge was recently replaced.