PA 216 is a two-lane undivided road that passes through rural areas in southern York County, serving Sticks and Glen Rock.

The road passes residential subdivisions in the community of Blooming Grove, turning east into a mix of homes and woods.

PA 216 curves east and crosses a couple arms of Lake Marburg before turning south through more forest.

The route leaves the state park and passes through more hilly wooded areas with a few small farms and residences, making a sharp curve to the east.

The road passes through more forests and runs a short distance to the east of the railroad tracks, reaching the residential community of Glenville.

Farther northeast, PA 216 heads into the borough of Glen Rock and becomes Manchester Street, entering residential areas.

PA 216 turns northeast onto Seaks Run Road and heads through farmland with some businesses, reaching an interchange with I-83.

After crossing the East Branch Codorus Creek, PA 216 enters North Hopewell Township and turns southeast onto Swamp Road.