It travels east–west through Davidson and Randolph counties; connecting the town of Denton with nearby Lexington and Asheboro.

Heading in a southern direction, it connects with I-85, where NC 47 provides a connector between southbound I-85 with northbound I-85 Bus and vice versa.

Continuing south, it travels through the community of Linwood, where it turns east, crossing NC 8 and Abbots Creek.

[3] In 1993, NC 47 was rerouted north from Linwood to I-85 (exit 88); its former alignment becoming Belmont Road (SR 3159).

[5] In December 2018, NC 47 was adjusted at its western terminus from the northbound I-285 exit/entrance ramps to a continuation along Hargave Lane (at Aviation Way) to the overpass bridge at I-285.