From the state line, the route heads northwards, crossing South Tryon Street (NC 49) for the first time about two miles (3.2 km) inside North Carolina.

The main intersection with NC 160 in this area, is at Westinghouse Boulevard; at this point, the route bears the street name Steele Creek Road.

NC 160 is the only way to access the Airport Police, the North Carolina Air National Guard station and the Charlotte Aviation Museum.

One mile (1.6 km) after leaving the airport area, NC 160 crosses over Billy Graham Parkway, formerly U.S. Route 521 (US 521), now part of Charlotte Highway 4.

Its eastern terminus is at South Tryon Street (NC 49) nearly one mile (1.6 km) southwest of center city.