The southern terminus of the highway is at an intersection with SR 21 near Snow Hill, an unincorporated community in Wilcox County approximately 14 miles (23 km) east of Camden.

The northern terminus of the highway is at an intersection with SR 41 approximately 22 miles (35 km) south of Selma in southern Dallas County.

SR 89 travels through the heart of Alabama's Black Belt, recognized as one of the poorer areas of the state.

[citation needed] The highway serves as an extension of the northbound leg of SR 21, which turns eastwardly in eastern Wilcox County.

The path of SR 89 travels through rural areas and does not traverse any incorporated communities.