Known as North Sandgates Road, the state highway runs 2.58 miles (4.15 km) from MD 235 in Oakville north to Sandgates Creek in Sandgates in St. Mary's County.

The state highway heads northeast as a two-lane undivided road through farmland and forest with scattered residences.

After passing the historic home Sandgates On Cat Creek, MD 472 enters the beach community of Sandgates on the Patuxent River.

The state highway reaches its northern terminus at the west end of the county-maintained wooden-floored bridge over Sandgates Creek.

[2] The roadway continues south as South Sandgates Road, a county highway that connects back with MD 235 in Hillville.