The road largely follows the east bank of the French Broad River until its northern terminus at US 25/US 70 near Marshall in Madison County.

After passing Riverside Drive, NC 251 assumes this name as it begins to travel north paralleling a railroad and the French Broad River.

Fully in Woodfin, the road travels past numerous commercial businesses located along the river with woods and some residences on the east side of it.

Near the northern town limit, NC 251 breaks away from the riverbank to cut through a wooded area dotted with numerous county offices and buildings.

After entering Madison County, NC 251 crosses the Ivy River and immediately afterwards, forms a brief 0.1-mile-long (0.16 km) concurrency with U.S. Route 25 Business (US 25 Bus.)