The Virginia segment is signed such that US 52 north corresponds to the general westward direction of the highway, and vice versa.

Gradually climbing through the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, an intersection with SR 69 provides another access point for I-77, before it crosses over the New River and passes under, but does not interchange with, I-77.

From here northwards, the road is known as Scenic Highway, and it again crosses another ridge of mountains, steeply climbing to meet the Appalachian Trail south of the community of Bastian.

US 52 closely hugs I-77 as the two routes follow the narrow Wolf Creek valley, as US 52 serves as a frontage road to the southbound lanes of I-77.

[4][5] An extension of SR 15 from Fort Chiswell north to Max Meadows was added to the state highway system in 1931.