State Route 522 has its western terminus is at a diamond interchange with U.S. Route 52 less than 3 miles (4.8 km) south of Wheelersburg.

Its eastern terminus is at a T-intersection with State Route 93 just over 9 miles (14 km) north of Ironton.

State Route 522's path takes it through portions of Scioto and Lawrence Counties.

No segment of this highway is included within the National Highway System, a network of highways deemed most important for the economy, mobility and defense of the country.

State Route 522, in turn, was extended southerly along the former two-lane alignment of U.S. Route 52 to its present-day western terminus where this roadway meets the U.S. Route 52 expressway at a diamond interchange.