SR 197 begins at an intersection with US 29 (South Prairie Street) in the south-central part of Union Springs.

The route travels to the north-northeast on Martin Luther King Boulevard South.

After passing L Avenue, it curves to a nearly due-north orientation and continues this direction until it meets its northern terminus, an intersection with US 29/US 82 in the central part of Union Springs.

[2] SR 197 is not part of the National Highway System, a system of roadways important to the nation's economy, defense, and mobility.

[3] The entire route is in Union Springs, Bullock County.