The western section starts at U.S. Route 41 (US 41) in Parke County, and runs eastward, paralleling its parent that lies to the south, U.S. Route 36 (US 36).

In western Hendricks County it then turns to the southeast and ends at State Road 39 (SR 39), only two miles north of that road's intersection with US 36 in Danville.

The eastern portion is a 6.2-mile (10.0 km) route that connects State Road 9 (SR 9) in Anderson with Middletown in Henry Co. From the western terminus SR 236 heads east.

From US 231, heads east towards North Salem passing through Roachdale.

From North Salem SR 236 turns southeast.