From its western terminus SR 82 heads easterly (as a two-lane undivided road for its duration) on 1st Street to immediately cross over the river and then promptly turns northeast until it reaches Lebanon Avenue.

The route then turns southeast on Lebanon Avenue and instantly crosses the Norfolk Southern Railway's Clinch Valley District tracks before passing through the central part of town.

After reaching the crest of Copper Ridge (at just over 2,440 feet [740 m]), SR 82 begins its descent to Glade Hollow.

On the southeast side of Glade Hollow, SR 82 climbs another, lower pass (less than 200 feet [61 m]) before dropping down into Lebanon.

Once in town the route continues southerly (still as Cleveland Road) until it reaches its southern terminus at a T-intersection with Main Street (US 19 Business).