Known as Thomas Jefferson Parkway, the state highway runs 18.32 miles (29.48 km) from SR 20 near Charlottesville east to U.S. Route 15 (US 15) in Palmyra.

A two-way ramp connects SR 53 with the Monticello access road, which passes over the state highway.

SR 795 leads south to the estate of James Monroe, Ashlawn-Highland.

SR 53 crosses Buck Island Creek near its confluence with the Rivanna River before entering Fluvanna County.

In 1941, State Route 20 was extended north from Scottsville to Charlottesville via Blenheim and Overton,[5] absorbing SR 239.