Known as Riverside Drive, the state highway runs 7.36 miles (11.84 km) from U.S. Route 58 and US 221 near Independence east to SR 94 near Fries.

SR 274 begins at US 58 and US 221 (Grayson Parkway) a short distance east of the town of Independence.

The state highway heads northeast as a two-lane undivided road and veers north on reaching the New River.

SR 274 follows the river north and east along its left bank, once veering away from the river as it bends southeast.

The state highway reaches its eastern terminus at SR 94, which heads north as Scenic Road toward Fries and east as a continuation of Riverside Drive.