Its western terminus is at SR 29 near Mutual and its eastern terminus is at SR 682 in Athens.

SR 56 travels in a generally northwest–southeast direction in an arc around the southwestern side of Columbus.

[2] As of 2012[update], no part of SR 56 is included within the National Highway System.

[3] The route of SR 56 between Mutual and Laurelville has been included within the state highway system since 1912.

[4] In 1923, the many numbered routes were unified as SR 56 running along the route, it continues to run today.