Prior to the western terminus of NC 24 at Interstate 485 (I-485), the road begins as an unmarked street named W.T.

It passes near or through three major Military installations (Fort Liberty, Pope Field, and Camp Lejeune), as well as Morrow Mountain State Park, Lake Tillery and the Uwharrie National Forest.

Along its eastern portions, NC 24 is known as Lejeune Boulevard thru Jacksonville, Freedom Way from the Camp Lejeune Main Gate to Swansboro, Corbett Avenue through Swansboro, Cedar Point Boulevard through Cedar Point, the W. B. McLean Highway through much of central Carteret County from JCT NC 58 to its terminus in Mansfield at US 70.

On December 8, 2008, Interstate 485 opened in Northwest Mecklenburg County; at that same time NC 24 was extended again by 1 mile (1.6 km) to the new freeway (Exit 21) along West WT Harris Boulevard.

This eastern segment leading to the terminus provides access to communities on the mainland side of the Bogue Sound.

The 1.7-mile (2.7 km) business route follows the original alignment of NC 24 along Clinton Road, Williams Street, and Autry Highway.