MS 397 heads northwest through barren forest land as a two-lane 55 miles per hour (89 km/h) speed limit highway.

[2] To the north of Preston, MS 397 heads through more woodlands, though as it approaches the Winston County line, some open fields appear along the road.

After entering Winston County, MS 397 heads northwest through a mix of woods and fields.

MS 397 curves to the due west, crosses S Columbus Avenue, and becomes W John C. Stennis Drive for the next block.

At the next intersection, S Church Avenue, MS 397 turns north onto it through Louisville's central business district.