[1][2][3][4] The western terminus for AR 172 is at US 82 near the unincorporated community of Cairo, or about 10 miles (16 km) west of El Dorado.

The route heads northeast, intersecting the community of Lisbon along the way, before ending at AR 7 in Smackover.

[5] The western terminus of AR 172 begins at US 167 near the unincorporated community of Artesian or about six miles (9.7 km) south of Hampton.

The route heads east, before ending at AR 160 just northwest of Jersey about seven miles (11 km) later.

The route heads south, before eventually making a large U-turn in southwestern Drew County.