The highway travels through the town of Dutton and continues through more rural areas, reaching an intersection with SR 40 west of Henagar. Past this intersection, SR 71 begins its ascent into the foothills of Lookout Mountain, passing more farmland and woodland with occasional homes.
The highway that passes through Dutton and enters more countryside areas, connecting with SR 40 near Henagar. Then, SR 71 rises into the hills surrounding Lookout Mountain, traversing agricultural land and forests with occasional houses.