PA 897 begins at an intersection with US 30 (Lincoln Highway) in the community of Gap in Salisbury Township, Lancaster County, heading north on two-lane undivided White Horse Road.

[2][3] The route passes through the Pennsylvania Dutch Country of eastern Lancaster County, which is home to many Amish farms.

The road runs through farmland before it briefly turns east and then heads north into wooded areas with some homes.

At this point, PA 897 turns west to briefly follow US 322 along 28th Division Highway before it splits to the north and resumes along Springville Road.

The route continues through farmland with some residential and commercial development and turns east and then north to enter the borough of Terre Hill.

The road passes more homes and a few businesses and turns north onto Broad Street before it leaves Terre Hill for East Earl Township again.

PA 897 winds north through farmland with some woods and homes and crosses Muddy Creek into Brecknock Township.

The route becomes Dry Tavern Road and passes through the residential community of Fivepointville before it runs through agricultural areas with some trees and homes.

PA 897 runs northwest through more farms and woods with some development before it turns north and comes to a bridge over the US 222 freeway.

Past this intersection, the road heads north through a mix of farm fields, woods, and homes, turning to the northwest.

The route passes through the residential community of Reinholds on Main Street, where it crosses an East Penn Railroad line at-grade.

The road becomes unnamed and winds northwest through a mix of farmland, woodland, and residential development, heading through the community of Blainsport.

PA 897 continues past homes to its northern terminus at a junction with the westbound direction of US 422 (East Cumberland Street) in the community of Hebron.