The northern terminus is at PA 8 in Cherrytree Township.

PA 417 begins at an intersection with US 322 on the border of the city of Franklin and the borough of Sugarcreek, heading northeast on two-lane undivided Rocky Grove Avenue into Sugarcreek.

The route continues through a mix of woodland, farmland, and rural residences, heading into Oakland Township and curving northeast.

PA 417 continues through more rural areas, passing through Dempseytown before forming a brief concurrency with PA 428 near Baums Corners.

At this point, the route turns more to the east through more areas of farms and forests with some homes.