SC 288 begins at an
intersection with
U.S. Route 178 (US 178; Moorefield Memorial Highway) east-northeast of
Sunset within
Pickens County. It travels to the east-northeast and crosses the
Oolenoy River and Mill Creek. Farther to the east is a crossing of Carrick Creek just before entering Pumpkintown. There, it intersects
SC 8 (Pumpkintown Highway). Just to the east of town is a crossing of Weaver Creek. Then, the highway crosses over Gowens Creek and curves to the east just before going over the
South Saluda River. This river marks the
Greenville County line. Just before it enters Slater-Marietta, it crosses the
Middle Saluda River. Very shortly after entering town, it meets its eastern terminus, an intersection with
US 276 (Geer Highway). This intersection is just to the east of Slater Marietta Elementary School and Jimi Turner Park.[3]