The portion from US 80/SR 19 in East Macon to former SR 243 southwest of Gordon is part of the Fall Line Freeway, a highway that connects Columbus and Augusta.

It may also be incorporated into the proposed eastern extension of Interstate 14 (I-14), which is currently entirely within Central Texas and may eventually be extended into Augusta.

SR 57 begins at an intersection with US 80/SR 19 (Jeffersonville Road), in East Macon in Bibb County.

The road continues to the southeast, in a curving fashion, and crosses over the Oconee River into the southwestern corner of Washington County.

Immediately afterward, it passes the Emanuel County Airport, Watson Lake, and the northeasternmost corner of Swainsboro Golf & Country Club.

At the intersection with US 1 Business/SR 4 Business (North Main Street), US 80/SR 26/SR 56 continue to the northeast, while US 1 Business/SR 4 Business/SR 57 head southeast and leave the city limits.

Shortly after the county line, it has an interchange with Interstate 16 (I-16; James L. Gillis Memorial Highway).

Just after the interchange, the route passes through the unincorporated community of Aline, before entering Tattnall County.

The concurrency heads south-southeast and curves to the south-southwest into Collins, There they meet SR 292 (Manassas Street).

At this intersection, US 25/US 301/SR 23 turn right to follow US 84/SR 38 west out of town, while SR 57 continues its southeasterly routing.

The route continues to the east for a few mile and curves to the southeast, until it meets its eastern terminus, an interchange with I-95 west of Eulonia.