The road bends east at Max Patch Road and begins some curvy climbing on and around Hebo Mountain, entering Madison County at Betsy's Gap (3,895 ft (1,187 m), highest point on route).

Entering the Spring Creek Valley, it passes through the communities of Luck and Trust, before reaching Spring Creek; from there the remaining 10 miles (16 km) becomes an aggressively winding road, and is not recommended for commercial trucks.

Once past all the twists and turns, travelers arrive in Hot Springs, where the highway ends at US 25/US 70.

North of NC 63, the highway is completely within the borders of the forest to its northern terminus.

NC 209 forms the main part of the scenic byway, connecting with US 25/US 70, in Hot Springs, where it continues the rest of the route.