SR 47 begins at the intersection of Mecklenburg Avenue and Atlantic Street in the center of South Hill.

SR 47 heads west as Atlantic Street to the western town limit of South Hill.

The state highway passes through several small communities, including North View, Wightman, and Drapersville, as it traverses northern Mecklenburg County on top of the drainage divide between the Meherrin River to the north and the Roanoke River to the south.

SR 47 leaves the town as Tollhouse Highway and crosses Roanoke Creek before reaching Charlotte Court House.

The highway crosses over Norfolk Southern Railway's Altavista District rail line at the hamlet of Cullen.