U.S. Route 321

U.S. Route 321 (US 321) is a north–south spur of U.S. Route 21, stretching through the southeastern United States. It spans approximately 516 miles, connecting Hardeeville, South Carolina, near the Georgia border, to Blowing Rock, North Carolina, in the Appalachian Mountains. Along its path, US 321 serves a mix of rural communities, college towns, and mountain destinations, making it both a practical corridor and a scenic drive in parts.

In South Carolina, US 321 begins in Hardeeville and heads north through several small towns including Estill, Fairfax, and Denmark before reaching Columbia, the state capital. North of Columbia, the route continues through less densely populated areas before entering North Carolina. In North Carolina, it provides access to towns like Gastonia, Hickory, and Lenoir, and becomes a gateway into the Blue Ridge Mountains, where it intersects with the Blue Ridge Parkway and offers mountain vistas as it approaches Blowing Rock.

US 321 is a vital transportation link for several regions, supporting both local travel and tourism. Sections near urban areas have been expanded into multi-lane highways, while mountain segments remain two-lane and winding. The route is especially significant for travelers heading to the Appalachian region, as it connects to major interstates like I-26, I-85, and I-40, making it an important connector route through the Carolinas.