MD 180 heads northeast and temporarily gains an eastbound climbing lane as it leaves the narrow Potomac River valley. The state highway passes through farmland and meets MD 17 (Burkittsville Road) at a roundabout west of Rosemont. MD 180 passes southeast of a park and ride lot and crosses Little Catoctin Creek on its way to Petersville, where the highway meets the northern end of Petersville Road. East of Petersville, the state highway has a diamond interchange with US 340. MD 180 descends into the narrow valley of Catoctin Creek; the westbound direction has a short climbing lane. The state highway curves north to cross the creek, then curves back east and leaves the creek valley. MD 180 has a single ramp to westbound US 340 and meets the southern end of MD 383 (Broad Run Jefferson Road) before passing through Jefferson. The state highway intersects Old Middletown Road, which heads north past the George Willard House, and Holter Road and Lander Road; Holter Road heads north toward Middletown and Lander Road heads south from the same intersection toward an interchange with US 340.