The route, which lies entirely within Le Flore County, connects US-59 between Howe and Poteau to the Arkansas state line.

The route heads due east of this point, continuing until it reaches an abandoned rail line, where it curves north.

SH-83 follows the rail line as the highway turns back east, paralleling Sugar Loaf Creek.

The road passes south of Sugar Loaf Mountain, elevation 2,564 feet (782 m).

[2] The route then turns northeast just before crossing the state line into Sebastian County, Arkansas, where SH-83 ends.