In fact, during its "northernmost" (westernmost) 2.4 miles, it proceeds southwest while signed north (and vice versa).

NH 47 essentially functions as a northern bypass of New Hampshire Route 31 and New Hampshire Route 136, which pass through (and intersect in) Greenfield.

Between this intersection and NH 47's endpoints, the three routes form a complete loop.

It proceeds generally northwest out of town and crosses into Bennington.

The route reaches its northernmost point about two miles east of town, before turning southwest (while still signed northbound) for the remainder of its route.