The route traverses through scenic and historic areas, including landscape shaped by glaciers from the latest ice age, known as the Wisconsin glaciation.

Kettle Moraine Scenic Drive generally follows county and local roads.

It begins near Whitewater – at the southern expanse of the Kettle Moraine State Forest's southern unit (42°45′56″N 88°42′18″W / 42.76556°N 88.70500°W / 42.76556; -88.70500), the drive takes a northeast trek and passes through six counties: Walworth, Jefferson, Waukesha, Washington, Fond du Lac, and Sheboygan.

The route's northern terminus is near Sheboygan County Broughton Marsh Park northwest of Elkhart Lake (43°50′53″N 88°02′29″W / 43.84806°N 88.04139°W / 43.84806; -88.04139).

Access is provided to sightseeing, hiking, biking, camping, cross-country skiing and fishing facilities.