The state highway runs 29.81 miles (47.97 km) from U.S. Route 250 in Shadwell east to US 522 and SR 208 in Mineral.

SR 22 begins at a tangent intersection with US 250 (Richmond Road) in the community of Shadwell in eastern Albemarle County.

The state highway intersects US 15 in the hamlet of Boswells Tavern, also known as Waldrop, and crosses the upper reaches of the South Anna River.

At the east end of the downtown area, SR 22 and US 33 intersect SR 208 (Courthouse Road), which joins the two other highways east a short distance to where US 33 diverges as Jefferson Highway.

The northbound direction of the U.S. Highway and SR 208 turn east onto 1st Street, cross the railroad tracks at grade, then turn north on Louisa Avenue to exit the town.