The state highway begins at an intersection with MS 145 in the northern reaches of Quitman, Clarke County.

It briefly curves to the west, then to the north as MS 513 enters the town of Stonewall.

MS 513, known as Erwin Road, passes a factory, then travels through the center of the town.

After exiting the town limits of Enterprise, the highway heads through a rural wooded area.

The road makes some winding curves until it reaches the Jasper County line.