The route is maintained by the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ArDOT).

Highway 173 begins at Overflow NWR in southeastern Ashley County just over 2.5 miles (4.0 km) north of the Louisiana state line in a region known as the Lower Arkansas Delta.

The area is known for flat, agricultural land with swamps, bayous and small towns dotting the landscape.

The highway runs northeast, crossing Bayou Bartholomew before terminating at US 165 along then north edge of Wilmot.

Media related to Arkansas Highway 173 at Wikimedia Commons