NY 197 begins at an intersection with US 9 (Saratoga Road) in the town of Moreau northeast of interchange 17 on the Adirondack Northway (I-87).

The route passes to the south of the Tee-Bird Country Club in Moreau, bending to the northeast through Moreau, paralleling Amtrak's Ethan Allen Express route, intersecting with CR 28 (Fort Edward Road) and CR 29 (West River Road).

Entering the village of Fort Edward, NY 197 crosses Rogers Island Park and becomes known as Bridge Street.

Crossing under the Amtrak line, the two roads head southbound out of the downtown parts of the village before NY 197 forks to the northeast along the Champlain Canal as Argyle Street.

NY 197 begins a winding pattern to the southeast, before turning gradually at a junction with CR 44 into the village of Argyle.