PA 965 begins at an intersection with US 62 in the community of Nesbits Corners in Jackson Township, Mercer County, heading east-northeast on two-lane undivided Henderson Road. The road passes through a mix of farms and woods with some homes before passing through open agricultural areas and crossing into Worth Township. The route becomes Jackson Center Polk Road and runs through wooded areas with some fields and residences, crossing PA 173 in Perrine Corners. Past this intersection, PA 965 heads northeast through more rural areas and passes through Henderson.[2][3] PA 965 enters Mineral Township in Venango County and heads through forested areas with some homes, passing through the community of Mount Pleasant. The road continues northeast through more woodland with some farmland and residences. Farther northeast, PA 965 crosses the Sandy Creek into Frenchcreek Township and ends at another intersection with US 62 in Waterloo Bridge.[2][4]