The western terminus is at State Route 93 in Jackson.

Its eastern terminus is also at State Route 93, this time less than 2 miles (3.2 km) west of Wellston.

Created in the late 1930s, State Route 788 acts as a shortcut to avoid communities that State Route 93 passes through between Jackson and Wellston.

Located entirely in the northern portion of Jackson County, State Route 788 is a route that is not included as a part of the National Highway System, a system of highways that are considered most important for the nation's economy, mobility and defense.

At the time, the current State Route 788 southwest of Fairgreens Road, and Fairgreens Road heading east from State Route 788, was a part of State Route 124.