Beginning at U.S. Route 52 (US 52) south of Norwood, it goes west crossing the Pee Dee River and through Mount Gilead.

Forming the southern boundary of the Uwharrie National Forest, it continues a northwesterly direction, linking up with US 220 Alternate (US 220 Alt.)

Established by 1936 as a new primary routing from the community of Hydro, going east through Mount Gilead and ending at US 220 south of Candor.

Between 1947-1948, NC 731 was rerouted north to end at US 220 closer to Candor, leaving behind Tabernacle Church Road (SR 1524).

In 1981, NC 731 was extended northward into downtown Candor to its current eastern terminus with US 220 Alt./NC 211.