The road passes a mix of woods and farms, curving north into forested areas and heading through Listonburg.

Farther north, PA 523 crosses the Casselman River into Lower Turkeyfoot Township and curves west at Harnedsville.

The road passes more farmland and woodland, running a short distance to the south of CSX's Keystone Subdivision railroad line and north of the Casselman River.

The road becomes Oden Street and passes homes and business, reaching an intersection with PA 281.

At this point, PA 281 turns north to form a concurrency with the route, passing more residences.