SC 86 begins at an intersection with SC 8 (Pelzer Highway) south of Easley within Anderson County. It travels to the southeast and intersects SC 81. Then, it continues to the southeast and curves to the east just before an interchange with Interstate 85 (I-85) and U.S. Route 29 (US 29). Then, it enters Piedmont, where it crosses over the Saluda River on an unnamed bridge, enters Greenville County, and intersects SC 20 (Piedmont Highway). The highway crosses over Grove Creek on an unnamed bridge, before reaching its eastern terminus, an intersection with US 25 (Augusta Road). Here, the roadway continues as Sandy Springs Road.[1]