State Route 48 begins in the small town of Whauck at a junction with State Route 9. It then travels east along a two-lane road through rural Valley County. Shortly before entering Burgess County, at a junction with State Route 33, the road turns northeast, before entering a forested area. The road continues northeast until shortly before the junction with State Route 733, where it again turns due east, continuing in this direction until Chalkerstown, where it ends at the junction with State Route 39.