Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 32; Flight Crew Total 938; Flight Crew Type 224
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
Conflict Airborne Conflict
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
I was at 5;500 feet MSL and on flight following. Opposing aircraft (low wing; type unknown) appeared on ADSB-IN at my 7:00 position and less than 5 miles showing +300 feet and was closing. I purposely descended to 5;300 feet as I was trying to visually locate the other aircraft. I visually located the other aircraft in front of my right wing as it passed on approximately the same heading as me and a few hundred feet above me. As it was coming through my 2:00; the other aircraft made an approximately 0 degree turn to the left and crossed just in front and above me. I identified it as a low wing about the same size as a Cirrus SR22; though I do not know what it was. At this time the controller asked me what my altitude was. I responded '5;300 feet for 5;500 feet.' He asked me if I had the traffic in sight and I replied yes. We briefly discussed the other aircraft and the conflict. The other aircraft was not as in contact with ATC and continued to the northwest. I continued my flight with no other abnormalities.
C172 pilot reported an NMAC during cruise.