SR 171 begins in Davidson County in Antioch at an interchange with I-24 (Exit 62) in a large industrial park.

It goes north as a 2-lane highway to leave the industrial park and pass through residential (with light commercial) areas to have an intersection with US 41/US 70S/SR 1 (Murfreesboro Pike), where it passes by the former site of Starwood Amphitheatre, which was the Nashville area's premier outdoor music venue until it closed following the 2006 season, before it crosses Percy Priest Lake (Stones River).

Once across the water, SR 171 travels through Long Hunter State Park for a short distance, before entering another residential area and crossing into Wilson County.

SR 171 continues north and passes through Rural Hill before entering Mount Juliet at its intersection with SR 265 (Central Pike).

Finally, the road ends in a dense commercial area, as it travels through the city of Mt.