The total length is 61.5 miles (99.0 km) long, and is entirely a secondary state highway.

SR 135 winds its way north and east, where it passes by Burgess Falls State Park, before having an interchange with I-40 (Exit 286) and entering the city of Cookeville.

SR 135 passes through some commercial areas before entering downtown, where it has an intersection with US 70N/SR 24.

They then cross the Cumberland River to leave Gainesboro and continue north to Jennings Creek, where SR 85 splits off and goes west.

SR 135 becomes curvy again as it passes through rugged terrain before crossing into Clay County.