It runs from east to west for 83.6 miles (134.5 km), serving a total of four counties: Marion, Walthall, Pike, and Amite.

MS 48 now has a rather large interchange with I-55 (Exit 10) as it curves eastward again to enter the town of Magnolia along Bay Street and pass through some neighborhoods.

It enters downtown and has an intersection with US 51 (Clark Avenue) before passing by the Pike County Courthouse and crossing over a railroad track.

The highway crosses a bridge over the Little Tangipahoa River to leave Magnolia and travel southeast through mostly farmland for several miles to enter Walthall County.

MS 48/MS 198 continue through downtown for several blocks before leaving and passing through neighborhoods again, where they cross Magees Creek and MS 48 splits off to leave Tylertown and wind its way southeast through farmland for several miles (where it passes through the community of Dexter) to enter Marion County.