Entering into Nash County, NC 231 turns to follow a northerly alignment until reaching its northern terminus.

NC 231 is a two-lane rural highway that traverses 25.4 miles (40.9 km) from Wendell to near Spring Hope; making a "J" shape on a map.

From the intersection, NC 231 heads south along Selma Road, crossing over a railroad operated by the Carolina Coastal Railway.

NC 231 continues for 0.2 miles (0.32 km) along Selma Road in Johnston County before reaching a T-intersection.

The highway approaches Hocutts Crossroads from the northwest and passes adjacent to Corinth-Holders Elementary School.

[1][3] Immediately east of the Nash County line, NC 231 crosses Moccasin Creek which drains into the Buckhorn Reservoir.

NC 231 also makes an immediate turn northward, an orientation it largely maintains for the remainder of the route.

NC 231 continues north until approaching Rockside Road where it makes a turn to the northeast and exits Middlesex.

Beginning at the interchange, NC 231 makes a slow turn to the north, largely paralleling Turkey Creek, located to the east.

NC 231 makes a reverse curve beginning at Nade Road, giving the highway a brief easterly alignment.

Continuing north for 1.6 miles (2.6 km), NC 231 enters the unincorporated community of Samaria from the south.

[1][3] The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) measures average daily traffic volumes along many of the roadways it maintains.