NC 37 is a predominantly two-lane rural highway which travels 60 miles (97 km) from US 64 near Beasley to US 13 near Gates.

[4] At Gliden, it rejoins NC 32 for a short concurrency, entering Gates County and through Mintonsville, before separating again at Mitchells Fork.

After traveling through the communities of Buckland and Gates, it ends at US 13 one mile (1.6 km) from the Virginia state line.

[1][5] NC 37 shares part of the Edenton-Windsor Loop where it crosses the Albemarle Sound (indicated by a Scenic Byways sign).

The loop, which connects to nearby Edenton and Windsor, showcases historic sites, like the Cupola House and the Rehoboth Methodist Church, and scenic views of the Inner Banks.