U.S. Route 221 in North Carolina
US 221 highlighted in red | ||||
| Route information | ||||
| Maintained by NCDOT | ||||
| Length | 153.5 mi (247.0 km) | |||
| Existed | 1930–present | |||
| Tourist routes | Little Parkway Scenic Byway | |||
| Major junctions | ||||
| South end | US 221 at the South Carolina line near Chesnee, SC | |||
| North end | US 21 / US 221 at the Virginia line near Independence, VA | |||
| Location | ||||
| Country | United States | |||
| State | North Carolina | |||
| Counties | Rutherford, McDowell, Burke, Avery, Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany | |||
| Highway system | ||||
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In the U.S. state of North Carolina U.S. Route 221 (US 221) is a north–south highway that travels through Western North Carolina. From Chesnee, South Carolina to Independence, Virginia, it connects the cities of Rutherfordton, Marion, Boone and Jefferson between the two out-of-state destinations. Its most memorable section, known as the Little Parkway Scenic Byway between Linville and Blowing Rock, offers area visitors a curvier alternative to the Blue Ridge Parkway and access to Grandfather Mountain.