The highway traverses nearly the entire length of the Bogue Banks and serves the major cities of Kinston, Snow Hill, and Wilson.

Approaching the west end, the highway turns north and crosses on the Emerald Island Causeway.

Running by Cedar Point, the highway intersects NC 24 and then heads toward the northwest as it passes by the White Oak River Mechanical Harvesting of Oysters Prohibited Area.

The route then continues north after exiting Kingston and intersects NC 123 and US 258 before entering Snow Hill.

The highway then continues north and passes through Castalia before intersecting the eastern terminus of NC 56.