Known for most of its length as Bittinger Road, the state highway runs 23.02 miles (37.05 km) from MD 135 in Altamont north to U.S. Route 40 Alternate (US 40 Alt) in Grantsville.

The state highway heads northeast as two-lane undivided Swanton Road through the valley of the North Branch of Crabtree Creek.

The state highway crosses several streams that flow into the lake, including Green Glade Run and North Glade Run, and intersects several roads that serve the east side of the lake, including Glendale Road, which heads west to US 219 at Thayerville.

The state highway passes Rock Lodge Road before heading through the unincorporated village of Bittinger.

Near Jennings, MD 495 descends into the valley of the South Branch of the Casselman River between the old alignment, Baker Road, and a brick factory.

MD 495 leaves the river valley, ascending a hill and reaching a diamond interchange with I-68 (National Freeway), which is concurrent with US 40 and US 219.