The route runs through more woodland with a few farm fields, turning east and heading into forested areas of Laurel Ridge State Park.

[2][3] PA 653 enters Upper Turkeyfoot Township in Somerset County and becomes Scullton Road, passing through more woodland with some farmland and homes, turning to the southeast.

The route heads back into Milford Township and turns east onto Galico Road, with Main Street continuing north.

[2][4] Farther southeast, the road heads through more wooded areas, curving south into the borough of Garrett and becoming Jackson Street.

PA 653 curves to the southeast through areas of homes and businesses, ending at an intersection with Mason Dixon Highway / SR 2047 (former US 219).