It immediately climbs a short hill out of the town and into the Pisgah National Forest.

As it starts to head in a northeastern general direction, NC 261 begins a winding course between the Cub Creek and Pumpkin Patch Mountain.

After crossing Pumpkin Patch Gap (elevation approximately 3,140 feet (960 m)), the road begins to follow the Little Rock Creek and pass through the communities of Cookstown and Glen Ayre.

three miles (4.8 km) outside of Glen Ayre, after paralleling more streams, NC 261 starts a climb up to Roan Mountain.

[1][2][3] What became NC 261 was an unnumbered gravel and dirt road between Bakersville and Carvers Gap.