Going in an northwesterly direction and parallel to Pasquotank River to its west, it goes through the communities of Alder Branch, Shiloh and Taylors Beach.

Continuing northwesterly, it continues through the communities of Spences Corner, Lambs Corner, Burnt Mills and finally South Mills, where it joins US 17 Business (US 17 Bus.).

Routed alongside the Dismal Swamp Canal, it ends at US 17 just north of South Mills.

[1] The northern section, between Camden and South Mills, is frequently used in the summer months as an alternative route to and from the Outer Banks, from travelers from the Hampton Roads metro area of Virginia.

[citation needed] The entire route is in Camden County.