PA 96 is a main highway between the cities of Cumberland, Maryland, and Bedford, Pennsylvania which many people travel daily for business purposes.

From the state line, the route heads northeast on two-lane undivided Hyndman Road, passing homes before entering a mix of farms, woods, and residences in a narrow valley.

PA 96 enters more forested areas as it runs a short distance to the west of CSX's Keystone Subdivision railroad line and Wills Creek.

The route continues through the rural narrow valley and curves northeast, becoming Schellsburg Street before entering the borough of Hyndman.

Here, PA 96 passes homes before turning east onto Center Street, at which point it runs past a mix of residences and businesses.

The road crosses into Harrison Township and runs through more rural areas with occasional homes, passing through Bard and Buffalo Mills.

The route makes a turn to the east before curving northeast through agricultural areas with some woods and residences, heading into King Township.