SR 79 has a dual primary and secondary designation[2] and is one of a few state routes in Tennessee to have an aggregate (gravel) road surface.

The western terminus of SR 79 is located at the Mississippi River (Island 15) in the extreme southwestern portion of Lake County, Tennessee and travels across low-lying areas that are subject to flooding from the Mississippi River.

SR 79 from its western terminus (mile 0.00) to mile 6.66 has been repeatedly damaged by seasonal flooding and as a result TDOT uses gravel, crushed stone, sand and dirt to rebuild the road surface when it has been damaged from flooding.

At mile 6.66, SR 79 crosses the federal levee to its eastern terminus near Ridgely, Tennessee.

[3] This ferry began service in 1895 and was operated by Lee Line Steamers.