The route turns towards the northeast and crosses over Norfolk Southern railroad tracks and the Tuscarawas River on the Four Chaplains Memorial Viaduct.

After crossing over the river, the highway has an intersection with an access ramp that leads to SR 21.

The route curves towards the southeast and enters downtown Canton, passing the Stark county court house.

[4][5][6][7] SR 172 leaves downtown Canton, as the highway narrows to a two-lane highway and crosses a Wheeling and Lake Erie railroad tracks and two Norfolk Southern railroad tracks.

The route leaves East Canton, heading northeast passing through woodland and farmland.

After curving due east SR 172 ends at an intersection with US 30, west of Lisbon.

[5][6][8][9] There are no segments of SR 172 that are included as a part of the National Highway System (NHS).