High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! NC 42 is a winding country state highway that bypasses many of the larger cities in the eastern/central part of North Carolina. Despite its long length (229 miles), it is not noted for being convenient for long-distance travel; US 64 often provides a shorter, faster alternative routing for a large part of NC 42`s length. Because it is well connected to many other major Interstate and US routes, NC 42 is a local connector for smaller communities along its route.