Known for most of its length as Loch Raven Boulevard, the state highway runs 6.33 miles (10.19 km) from MD 147 in Baltimore north to Interstate 695 (I-695) and Cromwell Bridge Road near Towson.

The state highway intersects Cold Spring Lane and crosses Chinquapin Run.

North of Good Samaritan Hospital, MD 542 intersects Northern Parkway and leaves the city limits.

[1][3] MD 542 meets the northern end of Hillen Road shortly after entering Baltimore County on the eastern edge of Towson.

MD 542 intersects Putty Hill Avenue and Joppa Road before reaching I-695 (Baltimore Beltway).

[2][4] Loch Raven Boulevard was constructed around 1933 from 33rd Street to Hillen Road just north of the city limits.