North Carolina Highway 81 is a state road that starts at US 25 and ends at US 70. The entire route is within Buncombe County, North Carolina.

NC 81 begins at a street called Biltmore Avenue and US 25A. It closely follows the Swannanoa River. It intersects South Tunnel Road US 74 near the Asheville Mall. It continues to follow the Swannanoa for 2 more miles and turns to the north to meet US 70 (Tunnel Road). Another street (Bryson Street) runs parallel across the river.

The entire route is in Asheville, Buncombe County.