The journey of SR 617 begins at the intersection of SR 165 and Garfield Road (Mahoning County Road 8 to the west) in the Mahoning County hamlet of New Springfield.

Heading east through Springfield Township, SR 617 comes upon its intersection with Beard Road (County Road 167 or CR 167), passes by some homes, then curves through some woods and resumes a due east trend, passing by both woods and farmland, residences and commercialized businesses, alike, along the way.

There, SR 617 follows a gradual reverse curve that takes it southeasterly, then back to the east.

As the number of homes along the route starts to increase, especially on the south side, SR 617 turns again to the southeast, then easterly yet again, where it comes upon Waterford Road.

Once back into a more rural setting, SR 617 passes through farmland, with a few homes dotting the landscape.