Alabama State Route 96 continues through two counties and six towns in Alabama until it reaches the Mississippi state line.
SR 96 begins at the eastern terminus of MS 50 in the southwest corner of Lamar County, at the border of Mississippi and about 5 miles (8.0 km) east of Columbus, Mississippi. Just after entering Fayette County, SR 96 very briefly curves north and slightly west before curving back to a northeastern course. 
