It originates at a junction with KY 3, one mile (1.6 km) east of Cadmus in Lawrence County.

Kentucky Route 1 allows access to Greenbo Lake State Resort Park and River Bend Golf Course, as well to the Oldtown Covered Bridge and the Jesse Stuart Nature Preserve.

The route originates at a junction with KY 3, one mile (1.6 km) east of Cadmus in Lawrence County and winds southwest for 3.640 miles (5.858 km) until it meets KY 828 and turns more toward the west.

Roughly 6.5 miles (10.5 km) north of Grayson, KY 1 enters Greenup County.

17.134 miles (27.575 km) north of the Carter-Greenup County line KY 1 meets its northern terminus at US 23 in Greenup just south of the Ohio River.