Bicycle Route 1 is known as the Carolina Connection and runs north–south through the central portion of the state, passing through Raleigh.

Rolling hills soon give way to flat land in the swamps and Carolina bays typical of this region of the state.

[2] The route begins at the intersection of NC 181 (Beatrice Cobb Highway) and Brown Mountain Beach Road.

The route travels through the Uwharrie National Forest, Mount Gilead, Aberdeen, Raeford and Hope Mills.

The overall route, using the "LN" signage, traverses between Huntersville and Sherrills Ford, with loops and spurs that also connect Cornelius, Davidson, Mooresville, Troutman, and Lake Norman State Park.

The route was established jointly between the Centralina Council of Governments and NCDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Division.

The route highlights potters, equestrian ranches, peach growing farms as well as several game lands and wildlife reserves.