The highway defines the boundaries of the Shining Rock and Middle Prong wildernesses: Shining Rock lying to the east, and Middle Prong to the west. The right-of-way for the highway is all that separates the two for several miles, and several hiking trails start along parking areas on this road or on spur roads connecting to it.
The highway serves as a dividing line between the Shining Rock and Middle Prong wildernesses, with the road marking their separation for several miles. Several hiking trails originate from parking areas along the highway or its connecting spurs.