The two routes leave Erwin and continue north to parallel the Nolichucky River before crossing into Washington County.

[1] SR 81/SR 107 continue north to pass through Embreeville, where they cross over a bridge over the Nolichucky River, before entering the community of Lamar, where SR 107 turns west and SR 81 continues north.

The highway then leaves Lamar and the Nolichucky River to continue north through rural farmland before having an intersection with SR 353 and entering Jonesborough.

SR 81 then enters downtown and has intersections with two roads that provide access to U.S.

Routes 11E and 321 and SR 34, Persimmon Ridge Road and Washington Drive.