SC 186 begins at an
intersection with
SC 8 (Pumpkintown Highway) northeast of
Pickens, within Pickens County. It travels to the east-northeast and curves to the southeast before crossing over Shoal Creek. Farther to the east is an intersection with
SC 135 (Dacusville Highway). The highway curves to the northeast and travels through
Dacusville. SC 186 curves to the north and crosses over Shoal Creek again. It curves to the northeast and crosses over the
Saluda River on an unnamed bridge, which marks the Greenville County line. Upon crossing over Beaverdam Creek, the highway enters Slater-Marietta. A short distance later, it meets its eastern terminus, an intersection with
U.S. Route 276 (US 276; Geer Highway).[3]