Kentucky Route 17 is a state highway that runs from the small town of Catawba, in unincorporated Pendleton County to the Kentucky/Ohio border in Covington. The road begins by branching off U.S. 27 in Catawba, about four miles north of Falmouth. The road heads north with a slight bend west. The road takes a sharp turn west with an intersection with KY 467 in DeMossville. The road then heads in a western/northwestern direction, up to Walton, where it meets KY 14. Having picked up the name "Madison Pike" at the Kenton County line several miles south of KY 14, KY 17 heads north toward Independence. Approcaching Independence, the road intersects with KY 16, where KY 16 undergoes a name change: it is known as Walton-Nicholson Road to the west of KY 17, and Taylor Mill Road to the east of KY 17. KY 17 was rerouted to the south of downtown Independence. The old section of KY 17 continues through the heart of Independence, containing landmarks such as Simon Kenton High School and the Kenton County Courthouse where it is know called KY 17 Business. Just north of downtown Independence, KY 17 is transitioned from a 2-lane road to a 4-lane divided highway. The name "Madison Pike" stays with the older road that KY 17 was formerly routed along until 2002, and the split occurs at the corner where Summit View Elementary and Middle Schools sit. KY 17 picks up the name "Madison Pike" again when the old road meets up with the current route a little over two miles north. KY 17 passes a park named "Pioneer Park" as it continues north, to its intersection with Interstate 275. The road then continues north into Covington. Less than a mile north of its junction with KY 16, Holmes High School is located on the east side of KY 17. The road then continues north to the Ohio River, where it crosses the river along the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge. Now in Cincinnati, Ohio, the route terminates near U.S. 52.