SR 87 runs west to east through mixed terrain of bluffs and rolling hills in Lauderdale County and mostly river bottoms in Haywood County.

SR 87 is a two-lane facility throughout its length and features a 50-55 MPH speed limit depending on terrain.

The western terminus of SR 87 is notable due to the extreme levels of erosion from the Mississippi River that has created a very sharp and unstable "cliff" that forced TDOT to erect a barricade to stop vehicles from driving over the edge and into the river.

The highway then passes through the community of Fulton, where it has an intersection with SR 207, which provides access to Fort Pillow State Park.

SR 87 then leaves Henning along Mc Farland Avenue and passes just south of Durhamville before continuing east and crossing into Haywood County.