From the state line, PA 896 heads north on two-lane undivided New London Road, passing woods and homes as it comes to the community of Strickersville.

At this point, the road turns to the northwest into a mix of farmland, woodland, and residences as it crosses into Franklin Township and reaches the community of Kemblesville.

Following this intersection, PA 896 becomes Newark Road and continues through a mix of rural areas and residential subdivisions as it enters New London Township.

The road continues through rural areas past this intersection, crossing Muddy Run on a one-lane bridge and passing through Homeville, where it turns southwest and northwest.

[2][3] Upon crossing the East Branch Octoraro Creek in a wooded area, PA 896 heads into Colerain Township in Lancaster County and becomes Georgetown Road.

[2][4] At this point, the route enters the Pennsylvania Dutch Country of eastern Lancaster County, which is home to many Amish farms.

The route curves to the northwest as it enters Strasburg Township and turns north onto Historic Drive, passing west of a shopping center that is home to the Choo Choo Barn, a model railroad display, and reaching an intersection with PA 741 a short distance to the west of the Strasburg Rail Road and the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.

North of Strasburg, PA 896 turns north onto Hartman Bridge Road and passes homes and businesses as it crosses back into Strasburg Township, at which point it runs through a mix of farms, homes, and businesses, passing east of Sight & Sound Theatres.

After crossing the Pequea Creek, PA 896 enters East Lampeter Township and continues north to an intersection with US 30 (Lincoln Highway) in a commercial area near two shopping centers.

After this intersection, the route becomes Eastbrook Road and passes a mix of farm fields and residential subdivisions with some businesses before crossing Mill Creek and ending at PA 340 in the community of Smoketown.