It runs for 17.42 miles (28.03 km) between Camden and Belfast, intersecting with U.S. Route 1 at both ends.

SR 52 forms a complete loop between Camden and Belfast, functioning as an alternate of US 1.

US 1 runs along the coastline while SR 52 provides a slightly shorter, inland route between the two communities.

SR 52 enters the city of Belfast and reunites with US 1, which runs on a bypass alignment west of downtown.

SR 52 is known as Mountain Street and Turnpike Drive in Camden, Camden Road, Main Street (cosigned with SR 173) and Belfast Road in Lincolnville, and Lincolnville Avenue in Belfast.