Within the interchange, MD 144 becomes National Pike and expands to a four-lane divided highway that follows the valley of Elk Lick Run. The state highway passes under I-68 and reduces to a two-lane undivided highway at Hinkle Road. At Rocky Gap Road, MD 144 begins to closely parallel the eastbound lanes of I-68. The state highway leaves the valley of Elk Lick Run and ascends Martin Mountain. On the climb, MD 144 intersects Pleasant Valley Road, which meets I-68 at Exit 50 and leads to Rocky Gap State Park. At the top of Martin Mountain, the state highway crosses over I-68 and intersects Sunset Orchard Road, which leads to a ramp to westbound I-68. On the descent, MD 144 crosses I-68 again and receives a ramp from the eastbound direction of the freeway and the highways part ways around a quarry.