It is predominantly a two-lane mountain highway with a speed limit no greater than 45 miles per hour (72 km/h).

Congestion is common, which peaks in early autumn (fall colors) and winter holidays.

[citation needed] The highway crosses the Eastern Continental Divide just north of Tynecastle, but is unmarked.

The final part of the highway, from the stoplight in Banner Elk to the Town Hall on Beech Mountain, served as a major finish in the Tour DuPont Bike Race during the 1990s.

Lance Armstrong also made his return to biking after cancer on NC 184 up Beech Mountain.