SC 185 begins at an intersection with US 178 (Old Shoals Junction Road) just southeast of Hodges, within Greenwood County.

SC 185 curves to the southwest and passes Hodges Elementary School before leaving town.

Approximately 2,000 feet (610 m) later, it intersects the northern terminus of SC 203 (Old Douglas Mill Road).

After a crossing of Camp Creek, is an intersection with SC 284 (Trail Road) in Saylors Crossroads.

The highway crosses over Bear and Hencoop creeks before intersecting SC 413 in Ebenezer Crossroads.