New Creek, West Virginia, the only populated place on the route, is located midway between US 50 and US 220.

Route 972 was the highest numbered road in the state of West Virginia.

The highway progressed to the northeast, crossing through residences to the west and forests to the east, crossing Del Signore Farm Road and passing the New Creek School.

Route 972 continued through the residences along the nearby mountainside, entering the community of New Creek after an intersection with Kings Run Road.

As Route 972 curved to the north, it passed through downtown New Creek's large set of residences before intersecting with Meadowlark Acre Road and terminating at an intersection with U.S. Route 220 (Cut-Off Road).