Entirely in the High Country, it runs from US 19E, in Ingalls, to the Virginia state line, near Helton.

NC 194 begins heading due east in the community of Ingalls, on a moderately curvy stretch of road known as Three Mile Highway, eventually meeting its first of many junctions with US 221.

A passing lane; one of few on NC 194 due to its mountainous nature, is available for southbound travelers between Newland and Elk Park.

Heading north, it travels through the unincorporated community of Sands, and provides access to Meat Camp.

After passing through Sands, the route becomes narrow and curvy again, serving the community of Todd as a North Carolina Scenic Byway.

The route gets its name from the 1895 mission built in Valle Crucis by the Episcopal Church, today it is used as a camp and conference center.

[2] The Valle Crucis, Shawneehaw and Elk Park Turnpike was built as a toll road between 1891 and 1892, by hand labor and without machinery.

A particular four mile section is noted for its curves from the Valle Crucis Elementary School to Banner Elk, and for its scenic beauty.

The first section (18 miles (29 km)) is traversed by NC 194 from Boone to Baldwin, passing through the community of Todd.

The section is noted for its Christmas tree farms, the North Fork New River, a site of a Revolutionary War engagement, and the Todd General Store.

Overlapping with US 221 to West Jefferson, it then replaces NC 162 through Warrensville to its current northern terminus at the Virginia state line.