PA 553 begins at an interchange with access to and from the westbound direction of the US 422 freeway in Cherryhill Township, Indiana County, heading east on a two-lane undivided road.

The route heads east-northeast through a mix of farms and woods, curving northeast as it passes through the residential community of Penn Run.

[2][3] PA 553 enters Barr Township in Cambria County and becomes Alverda Road, heading through more wooded areas with some farms and homes.

The road continues through a mix of farmland and woodland with occasional residences, crossing into West Carroll Township and turning to the east.

PA 553 heads through more rural areas, entering East Carroll Township and turning south to reach its eastern terminus at US 219.