U.S. Route 221 in North Carolina
Encyclopedia
U.S. Route 221
in North Carolina
runs north–south from the South Carolina
state line to the Virginia
state line in Western North Carolina.
as a rural highway, with mostly farms, wooded areas, or homes dotting the road. After 10 miles (16.1 km) it connects with US 74, where US 74 Business begins its overlap towards Rutherfordton
(signs of US 74 Business are scarce throughout). At Rutherfordton, the first major intersection is Charlotte Street, where US 74 Business and US 221 Alternate go east. After Rutherfordton, the road reverts to a rural highway, and continues on to Marion
.
Before entering Marion city limits, Interstate 40
intersects with US 221. US 221 then joins with NC 226, going west around the city on the Marion Bypass. After the expressway passes the shopping centers along US 70, it continues as a 4-lane highway with a turning median all the way to North Cove. Along the way, several business can be seen including shrubbery farms, stone/rock cutters, and a chemical plant. NC 226 splits early at Woodlawn
, for travelers that want to go to Spruce Pine
.
The climb to Linville Falls
is somewhat curvy, but manageable. It is a truck route, so a lone runaway truck ramp is located along this section. Also located in this section is Linville Caverns, a small tourist destination. At Linville Falls, people may visit the Linville Gorge Wilderness
, where the actual Linville Falls
are located; or connect to the Blue Ridge Parkway
.
Between Linville Falls and Linville
, the highway goes through large tracts of fraser fir
farms, from the mountain tops to the valleys. At Linville, motorists may follow NC 105 to Boone
or continue on up Grandfather Mountain
towards Blowing Rock
. The easier and faster route to Blowing Rock is actually following NC 105 to Boone (US 221 Truck route gives it away at intersection); if you feel adventurous, then stay on US 221 for a very exciting 18 miles (29 km) drive of endless curves and elevation changes. If you start on US 221 then decide you had enough, then you may cheat by going on the Blue Ridge Parkway
, it is scenic and more rewarding. Those that stick-it-out, can take a short break at an rest area located near Blowing Rock.
Blowing Rock and Boone are popular year-round tourist destinations; as such the highway between the two towns offers an array of activities include skiing, shopping, amusement rides, and golf. In Boone, US 221 turns early along NC 105 to King Street, avoiding Appalachian State University
and the downtown area; once on King Street (also shared with US 421 and NC 194), it heads east out of town on a 4-lane expressway.
At Deep Gap
, US 221 goes north again on a slightly curvy 2-lane road to Jefferson
. As the road nears West Jefferson
, the road appears to open-up some allowing for more views of the surrounding areas. At West Jefferson and Jefferson, the road serves as a bypass, as well as a last chance for dining choices until Galax, Virginia
.
The next 21 miles (33.8 km) of US 221 is very curvy and similarly as intimidating as the stretch between Linville and Blowing Rock (minus the continuous elevation changes). An alternate route here would be to take NC 16 into Virginia
then onto US 58 east (to Independence
) or VA/NC 93 east (to Twin Oaks
). Depending how you reach Twin Oaks, US 221 meets up with parent US 21 and enter Virginia together.
U.S. Route 221
U.S. Route 221 is a spur of U.S. Route 21. It runs for 734 miles from Perry, Florida at US Routes 19/98/ALT 27 to Lynchburg, Virginia at U.S. Route 29 . It passes through the states of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia...
in North Carolina
North Carolina
North Carolina is a state located in the southeastern United States. The state borders South Carolina and Georgia to the south, Tennessee to the west and Virginia to the north. North Carolina contains 100 counties. Its capital is Raleigh, and its largest city is Charlotte...
runs north–south from the South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
state line to the Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
state line in Western North Carolina.
Route description
US 221 enters from South CarolinaSouth Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
as a rural highway, with mostly farms, wooded areas, or homes dotting the road. After 10 miles (16.1 km) it connects with US 74, where US 74 Business begins its overlap towards Rutherfordton
Rutherfordton, North Carolina
Rutherfordton is a town in Rutherford County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 4,131 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Rutherford County.-Geography:Rutherfordton is located at ....
(signs of US 74 Business are scarce throughout). At Rutherfordton, the first major intersection is Charlotte Street, where US 74 Business and US 221 Alternate go east. After Rutherfordton, the road reverts to a rural highway, and continues on to Marion
Marion, North Carolina
Marion is a city in McDowell County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 7,943 at the 2008 estimated census. It is the county seat of McDowell County.-Geography:Marion is located at ....
.
Before entering Marion city limits, Interstate 40
Interstate 40 in North Carolina
Interstate 40 runs through the state of North Carolina from the Tennessee state line in the west to its eastern terminus in Wilmington.-Pigeon River Gorge:...
intersects with US 221. US 221 then joins with NC 226, going west around the city on the Marion Bypass. After the expressway passes the shopping centers along US 70, it continues as a 4-lane highway with a turning median all the way to North Cove. Along the way, several business can be seen including shrubbery farms, stone/rock cutters, and a chemical plant. NC 226 splits early at Woodlawn
Woodlawn, North Carolina
Woodlawn is a census-designated place in Alamance County, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Burlington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area...
, for travelers that want to go to Spruce Pine
Spruce Pine, North Carolina
Spruce Pine is a town in Mitchell County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 2,175 at the 2010 census.-History:Spruce Pine was founded in 1907 when the Clinchfield Railroad made its way up the North Toe River from Erwin, Tennessee...
.
The climb to Linville Falls
Linville Falls, North Carolina
Linville Falls is an unincorporated community at the junction of Avery, Burke, and McDowell counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. The community is named after Linville Falls, a nearby waterfall in the Linville Gorge Wilderness.- Attractions :...
is somewhat curvy, but manageable. It is a truck route, so a lone runaway truck ramp is located along this section. Also located in this section is Linville Caverns, a small tourist destination. At Linville Falls, people may visit the Linville Gorge Wilderness
Linville Gorge Wilderness
The Linville Gorge Wilderness is the third largest wilderness area in North Carolina and one of only two wilderness gorges in the Southern United States...
, where the actual Linville Falls
Linville Falls
Linville Falls is a waterfall located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina in the United States. The falls move in several distinct steps, beginning in a twin set of upper falls, moving down a small gorge, and finally culminating in a high-volume drop. It is named for the Linville...
are located; or connect to the Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States, noted for its scenic beauty. It runs for 469 miles , mostly along the famous Blue Ridge, a major mountain chain that is part of the Appalachian Mountains...
.
Between Linville Falls and Linville
Linville, North Carolina
Linville is a community centered just south of the US 221 and NC 105 intersection in Avery County, North Carolina. The community -- at times known as Clay or Porcelain -- was founded in 1883 and designed by Samuel T. Kelsey of Kansas, it was named for William and John Linville, who were killed by...
, the highway goes through large tracts of fraser fir
Fraser Fir
Abies fraseri is a species of fir native to the mountains of the eastern United States. It is closely related to Abies balsamea , of which it has occasionally been treated as a subspecies or a variety Abies fraseri (Fraser fir) is a species of fir native to the mountains of the eastern United...
farms, from the mountain tops to the valleys. At Linville, motorists may follow NC 105 to Boone
Boone, North Carolina
Boone is a town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, United States. Boone's population was reported as 17,122, as of 2010...
or continue on up Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain
Grandfather Mountain is a mountain, a non-profit attraction, and a North Carolina state parknear Linville, North Carolina. At 5,946 feet , it is the highest peak on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains, one of the major chains of the Appalachian Mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway...
towards Blowing Rock
Blowing Rock, North Carolina
Blowing Rock is a town in North Carolina, USA, situated in both Caldwell and Watauga counties. The population was 1,418 at the 2000 census. However, during the summer the town's population increases to about 10,000.]]\\...
. The easier and faster route to Blowing Rock is actually following NC 105 to Boone (US 221 Truck route gives it away at intersection); if you feel adventurous, then stay on US 221 for a very exciting 18 miles (29 km) drive of endless curves and elevation changes. If you start on US 221 then decide you had enough, then you may cheat by going on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States, noted for its scenic beauty. It runs for 469 miles , mostly along the famous Blue Ridge, a major mountain chain that is part of the Appalachian Mountains...
, it is scenic and more rewarding. Those that stick-it-out, can take a short break at an rest area located near Blowing Rock.
Blowing Rock and Boone are popular year-round tourist destinations; as such the highway between the two towns offers an array of activities include skiing, shopping, amusement rides, and golf. In Boone, US 221 turns early along NC 105 to King Street, avoiding Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University is a comprehensive , public, coeducational university located in Boone, North Carolina, United States. Appalachian State, also referred to as Appalachian, App State, or simply App, is the sixth largest institution in the University of North Carolina system...
and the downtown area; once on King Street (also shared with US 421 and NC 194), it heads east out of town on a 4-lane expressway.
At Deep Gap
Deep Gap, North Carolina
Deep Gap is an unincorporated community located in Watauga County, North Carolina, United States. The community is named after the natural gap, called Deep Gap, at Fire Scale Mountain, where the Blue Ridge Parkway crosses over US 421...
, US 221 goes north again on a slightly curvy 2-lane road to Jefferson
Jefferson, North Carolina
Jefferson is a town in Ashe County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,422 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Ashe County.-History:...
. As the road nears West Jefferson
West Jefferson, North Carolina
West Jefferson is a town in Ashe County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,081 at the 2000 census.-History:West Jefferson was incorporated as a city in 1909, and it is the second-oldest incorporated town in Ashe County. West Jefferson has the distinction of having the only cheese...
, the road appears to open-up some allowing for more views of the surrounding areas. At West Jefferson and Jefferson, the road serves as a bypass, as well as a last chance for dining choices until Galax, Virginia
Galax, Virginia
Galax is an independent city in the southwestern part of the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is bounded to the northeast by Carroll County and to the southwest by Grayson County. The population was 7,042 as of 2010...
.
The next 21 miles (33.8 km) of US 221 is very curvy and similarly as intimidating as the stretch between Linville and Blowing Rock (minus the continuous elevation changes). An alternate route here would be to take NC 16 into Virginia
Virginia
The Commonwealth of Virginia , is a U.S. state on the Atlantic Coast of the Southern United States. Virginia is nicknamed the "Old Dominion" and sometimes the "Mother of Presidents" after the eight U.S. presidents born there...
then onto US 58 east (to Independence
Independence, Virginia
Independence is a town in Grayson County, Virginia, United States. The population was 971 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Grayson County. Independence is home to a major town celebration on July 4 every year, held in front of the 1908 courthouse. It features bluegrass and old-time...
) or VA/NC 93 east (to Twin Oaks
Twin Oaks, North Carolina
Twin Oaks is an unincorporated community in Alleghany County, North Carolina, United States. The community is located at the intersection of US 21 and US 221, northwest of Sparta. Twin Oaks obtained it name from a pair of large oak trees that stood near where the abandoned Twin Oaks Drive-In...
). Depending how you reach Twin Oaks, US 221 meets up with parent US 21 and enter Virginia together.
Scenic byway
US 221, from Linville to Blowing Rock, is designated as the Little Parkway Scenic Byway. It is noted for its history, majestic views, and serving as a long-time detour for the Blue Ridge Parkway till 1987, when the Linn Cove Viaduct was completed.Junction list
| County | Location | Mile | Destinations | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rutherford Rutherford County, North Carolina -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 62,899 people, 25,191 households, and 17,935 families residing in the county. The population density was 112 people per square mile . There were 29,535 housing units at an average density of 52 per square mile... |
10 | West end of US 74 Business overlap | ||
| Rutherfordton Rutherfordton, North Carolina Rutherfordton is a town in Rutherford County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 4,131 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Rutherford County.-Geography:Rutherfordton is located at .... |
15 | East end of US 74 Business overlap | ||
| 16 | ||||
| McDowell McDowell County, North Carolina -Cities and towns:*Marion *Old Fort-Unincorporated places:*West Marion*Little Switzerland*Nebo*Glenwood*Pleasant Gardens*North Cove-Education:The following is a list of schools located in McDowell County:*Marion Elementary School... |
36 | |||
| Marion Marion, North Carolina Marion is a city in McDowell County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 7,943 at the 2008 estimated census. It is the county seat of McDowell County.-Geography:Marion is located at .... |
37 | South end of NC 226 overlap | ||
| 42 | ||||
| 43 | ||||
| Woodlawn Woodlawn, North Carolina Woodlawn is a census-designated place in Alamance County, North Carolina, United States. It is part of the Burlington, North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area... |
49 | North end of NC 226 overlap | ||
| Burke Burke County, North Carolina -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 89,148 people, 34,528 households, and 24,342 families residing in the county. The population density was 176 people per square mile . There were 37,427 housing units at an average density of 74 per square mile... |
Linville Falls Linville Falls, North Carolina Linville Falls is an unincorporated community at the junction of Avery, Burke, and McDowell counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina. The community is named after Linville Falls, a nearby waterfall in the Linville Gorge Wilderness.- Attractions :... |
63 | ||
| Avery Avery County, North Carolina - Climate :As a result of its relatively high elevation, Avery County has a Humid continental climate enjoying considerably cooler summers than most of the rest of the Eastern US. Likewise, winters are longer, colder and snowier than most other locations in the region. This can be evidenced by the... |
64 | Blue Ridge Parkway Blue Ridge Parkway The Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States, noted for its scenic beauty. It runs for 469 miles , mostly along the famous Blue Ridge, a major mountain chain that is part of the Appalachian Mountains... |
Nearby to the Linville Falls Visitor Center and Chestoa View | |
| 66 | South end of NC 194 overlap | |||
| 70 | North end of NC 194 overlap | |||
| Pineola Pineola, North Carolina Pineola is an unincorporated community in Avery County, North Carolina; generally spanning out in a three mile radius from the intersection of US highway US 221 and NC 181. The area was originally known as "Saginaw" until the early 20th century.... |
72 | South end of NC 181 overlap | ||
| Linville Linville, North Carolina Linville is a community centered just south of the US 221 and NC 105 intersection in Avery County, North Carolina. The community -- at times known as Clay or Porcelain -- was founded in 1883 and designed by Samuel T. Kelsey of Kansas, it was named for William and John Linville, who were killed by... |
75 | North end of NC 181 overlap | ||
| 75.5 | ||||
| 79 | Blue Ridge Parkway Blue Ridge Parkway The Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States, noted for its scenic beauty. It runs for 469 miles , mostly along the famous Blue Ridge, a major mountain chain that is part of the Appalachian Mountains... |
Nearby the Linn Cove Viaduct and Beacon Heights | ||
| Watauga Watauga County, North Carolina -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 42,695 people, 16,540 households, and 9,411 families residing in the county. The population density was 137 people per square mile . There were 23,155 housing units at an average density of 74 per square mile... |
92 | Blue Ridge Parkway Blue Ridge Parkway The Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States, noted for its scenic beauty. It runs for 469 miles , mostly along the famous Blue Ridge, a major mountain chain that is part of the Appalachian Mountains... |
Nearby the Julian Price Memorial Park | |
| Blowing Rock Blowing Rock, North Carolina Blowing Rock is a town in North Carolina, USA, situated in both Caldwell and Watauga counties. The population was 1,418 at the 2000 census. However, during the summer the town's population increases to about 10,000.]]\\... |
94 | South end of US 321 Business overlap | ||
| 95 | North end of US 321 Business overlap, south end of US 321 overlap | |||
| 95.5 | Blue Ridge Parkway Blue Ridge Parkway The Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States, noted for its scenic beauty. It runs for 469 miles , mostly along the famous Blue Ridge, a major mountain chain that is part of the Appalachian Mountains... |
Nearby the Moses H. Cone Memorial Park and the Parkway Craft Center | ||
| Boone Boone, North Carolina Boone is a town located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, United States. Boone's population was reported as 17,122, as of 2010... |
101 | North end of US 321 overlap, south end of NC 105 overlap | ||
| 102 | North end of US 421 & NC 105 overlap, south end of NC 194 overlap | |||
| 103 | North end of NC 194 overlap | |||
| Deep Gap Deep Gap, North Carolina Deep Gap is an unincorporated community located in Watauga County, North Carolina, United States. The community is named after the natural gap, called Deep Gap, at Fire Scale Mountain, where the Blue Ridge Parkway crosses over US 421... |
111 | South end of US 421 overlap | ||
| Ashe Ashe County, North Carolina - History :Historical evidence shows that Ashe county was inhabited by Native Americans, which included the Cherokee, Creek, and Shawnee tribes. Pieces of broken pottery, arrowheads, and other Native American artifacts have been found, indicating their presence... |
Baldwin | 120 | South end of NC 194 overlap | |
| West Jefferson West Jefferson, North Carolina West Jefferson is a town in Ashe County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,081 at the 2000 census.-History:West Jefferson was incorporated as a city in 1909, and it is the second-oldest incorporated town in Ashe County. West Jefferson has the distinction of having the only cheese... |
124 | North end of NC 194 overlap | ||
| Jefferson Jefferson, North Carolina Jefferson is a town in Ashe County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,422 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Ashe County.-History:... |
127 | West end of NC 88 overlap | ||
| 128 | South end of NC 16 overlap, east end of NC 88 overlap | |||
| 130 | – Mouth of Wilson Mouth of Wilson, Virginia Mouth of Wilson is an unincorporated community, in Grayson County in the U.S. state of Virginia, just north of the North Carolina state line. The community lies in the Appalachian Mountains on the western banks of the New River, where the Big Wilson Creek empties its waters. The main road through... |
North end of NC 16 overlap | ||
| Alleghany Alleghany County, North Carolina -Major highways:* U.S. Highway 21* U.S. Highway 221* North Carolina Highway 18* North Carolina Highway 88* North Carolina Highway 93* North Carolina Highway 113-Demographics:... |
141 | , Mouth of Wilson Mouth of Wilson, Virginia Mouth of Wilson is an unincorporated community, in Grayson County in the U.S. state of Virginia, just north of the North Carolina state line. The community lies in the Appalachian Mountains on the western banks of the New River, where the Big Wilson Creek empties its waters. The main road through... |
||
| 149 | – Mouth of Wilson Mouth of Wilson, Virginia Mouth of Wilson is an unincorporated community, in Grayson County in the U.S. state of Virginia, just north of the North Carolina state line. The community lies in the Appalachian Mountains on the western banks of the New River, where the Big Wilson Creek empties its waters. The main road through... |
|||
| Twin Oaks Twin Oaks, North Carolina Twin Oaks is an unincorporated community in Alleghany County, North Carolina, United States. The community is located at the intersection of US 21 and US 221, northwest of Sparta. Twin Oaks obtained it name from a pair of large oak trees that stood near where the abandoned Twin Oaks Drive-In... |
150 | South end of US 21 overlap | ||
Alternates
Currently, there is one U.S. Route 221 Alternate route in North Carolina:- Rutherford CountyRutherford County, North Carolina-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 62,899 people, 25,191 households, and 17,935 families residing in the county. The population density was 112 people per square mile . There were 29,535 housing units at an average density of 52 per square mile...
– Typically signed as US 221A, The 21 miles (33.8 km) route begins at the South Carolina state line to the communites of Cliffside, HenriettaHenrietta, North CarolinaHenrietta is an unincorporated community in Rutherford County, North Carolina, United States.Religion in Henrietta is mainly Baptist....
, Caroleen, and Alexander MillsAlexander Mills, North CarolinaAlexander Mills, North Carolina, was a town in Rutherford County, North Carolina, in the USA. It was incorporated in 1925 and named after a textile mill established by J.F. Alexander. In 1999 Alexander Mills merged with and became a part of Forest City, North Carolina.-Sources:*The North Carolina...
before reaching Forest CityForest City, North CarolinaForest City, formerly known as "Burnt Chimney," is a town in Rutherford County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 7,549 as of the 2000 census.-Geography:Forest City is located at ....
. At Forest City, it goes west to SpindaleSpindale, North CarolinaSpindale is a town in Rutherford County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 4,022 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Spindale is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , all of it land....
then finally in RutherfordtonRutherfordton, North CarolinaRutherfordton is a town in Rutherford County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 4,131 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Rutherford County.-Geography:Rutherfordton is located at ....
, where it reconnects with main US 221. Historically, the route US 221A is on was the original US 221 route from 1930-1942.
Business loops
Currently, there are two U.S. Route 221 Business loops in North Carolina:- MarionMarion, North CarolinaMarion is a city in McDowell County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 7,943 at the 2008 estimated census. It is the county seat of McDowell County.-Geography:Marion is located at ....
– Established in 1992, when the Marion Bypass was completed, this 5 miles (8 km) business route replaced the original US 221 routing through the city of Marion, along Main Street.
- JeffersonJefferson, North CarolinaJefferson is a town in Ashe County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,422 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Ashe County.-History:...
– This 4.4 miles (7.1 km) route services the cities of Jefferson (Main Street) and West JeffersonWest Jefferson, North CarolinaWest Jefferson is a town in Ashe County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,081 at the 2000 census.-History:West Jefferson was incorporated as a city in 1909, and it is the second-oldest incorporated town in Ashe County. West Jefferson has the distinction of having the only cheese...
(Jefferson Avenue and 2nd Street).
History
- 1930 - The original US 221 started from IngallsIngalls, North CarolinaIngalls is an unincorporated community in Avery County, North Carolina, United States. The community is located at the intersection of US 19-E and NC 194. The Avery County Airport is located two miles south from Ingalls, towards Spruce Pine....
to SpartaSparta, North CarolinaSparta is a town in Alleghany County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 1,817 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Alleghany County.-Geography:Sparta is located at ....
. - 1931 - Highway was extended north into Virginia along with US 21/NC 26. Highway was also extended south to South Carolina, replacing or overlapping with the following highways: Overlap with 19-E from Ingalls to Spruce Pine; replace NC 19 from Spruce Pine, through Little Switzerland and Marion, to Rutherfordton; overlap with US 74/NC 20 from Rutherfordton to Forest City; and replacing NC 207 from Forest City to the state line.
- 1933 - US 221 was rerouted, moving east to go through Linville Falls; the old routing through Spruce Pine now serviced by NC 226.
- 1942 - US 221 was rerouted between Rutherfordton to Chesnee; the old routing through Forest City now serviced by US 221A.
- 1952 - US 221 was rerouted going east of Boone, overlap with US 421 to Deep Gap, then north to West Jefferson; NC 194 is extended to replace US 221 through Todd.
- Mid-1980's - US 221/321 between Blowing Rock to Boone was widened to four lanes. US 221 was also moved from going through downtown Boone to going over NC 105 Extension Road (overlap with NC 105); ending a point where US 221/321/421 would meet at King and Hardin Streets.
- 1992 - The Marion Bypass was built, moving US 221/NC 226 outside the city; US 221 Business replaced the old route through Marion.
- 1997 - The highway was widened between Marion to Woodlawn to four lanes.
See also
- Blue Ridge ParkwayBlue Ridge ParkwayThe Blue Ridge Parkway is a National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States, noted for its scenic beauty. It runs for 469 miles , mostly along the famous Blue Ridge, a major mountain chain that is part of the Appalachian Mountains...
- Grandfather MountainGrandfather MountainGrandfather Mountain is a mountain, a non-profit attraction, and a North Carolina state parknear Linville, North Carolina. At 5,946 feet , it is the highest peak on the eastern escarpment of the Blue Ridge Mountains, one of the major chains of the Appalachian Mountains. The Blue Ridge Parkway...
- Linville FallsLinville FallsLinville Falls is a waterfall located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina in the United States. The falls move in several distinct steps, beginning in a twin set of upper falls, moving down a small gorge, and finally culminating in a high-volume drop. It is named for the Linville...
- Linville Gorge WildernessLinville Gorge WildernessThe Linville Gorge Wilderness is the third largest wilderness area in North Carolina and one of only two wilderness gorges in the Southern United States...
- Linville RiverLinville RiverThe Linville River is a river in western North Carolina. The river begins in the slopes of Peak Mountain, Sugar Mountain and Flattop Mountain, in the Linville Gap . As it goes south through Avery County, it passes through the communities of Grandfather, Linville, Pineola, Crossnore and finally at...