From the western terminus, SR 55 heads through a mix of farm fields and woods with some development, crossing the East Fork Mulberry Creek.

The route curves to the east-northeast and gains a center left-turn lane as it passes through residential areas with some commercial development to the north of downtown Lynchburg.

SR 55 becomes Lynchburg Highway and turns northeast, crossing the East Fork Mulberry Creek and passing to the northwest of the Jack Daniel Distillery.

The creek heads farther to the west and the route continues through farm fields with some trees and development, coming to an intersection with the southern terminus of SR 82.

The road narrows to three lanes and continues east into commercial areas, curving northeast and coming to a junction with US 41A (SR 16).

The route passes through a mix of residential and commercial development and wooded areas before it leaves Tullahoma and becomes New Manchester Highway.

Here, SR 55 becomes McArthur Street, a five-lane road with a center left-turn lane, and heads north-northeast through residential and commercial areas.

Past this interchange, the route passes businesses and transitions back into a five-lane road with a center left-turn lane, leaving Manchester.

The road runs through a mix of farmland and woodland with some nearby development and heads north, crossing the Barren Fork before curving to the northeast.

The route begins at an interchange with SR 55 southwest of McMinnville, heading east on two-lane undivided South Chancery Street.

The road immediately intersects the southern terminus of SR 286 and heads through wooded areas with some homes and businesses.

The route turns north and passes through industrial areas before it heads into downtown McMinnville and comes to an intersection with SR 56.