SC 4 begins at an intersection with U.S. Route 78 (US 78; Charleston Highway) southeast of Aiken.

The route travels to the east-northeast and intersects US 78 Truck/SC 118/SC 302 (Rudy Mason Parkway).

The two highways curve to the southeast and split north of Aiken State Park.

It curves to the east-southeast and passes north of the Aiken Gopher Tortoise Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area.

[3] SC 4 curves to the east-southeast and crosses Dean Swamp Creek.

It begins curving to the northeast and intersects SC 332 (Norway Road).

It curves to the east-southeast and crosses Bolen Mill Creek before heading back to the northeast.

Then, it crosses over Fourmile Creek and intersects the eastern terminus of SC 400 (Norway Road).

Immediately, they intersect the southern terminus of SC 33 (Russell Street).

They cross over some railroad tracks and pass by Southern Methodist College.