From Buck Creek Gap, NC 80 descends into the Busick community and then along the South Toe River. Near Hamrick is the Carolina Hemlocks Recreation Area, part of the Pisgah National Forest, where visitors can hike nearby trails and camp. further downstream is Celo Community, located at the base of Celo Knob. In Micaville, NC 80 connects with US 19E, where travelers can continue on towards Burnsville or Spruce Pine. After a overlap with US 19E, NC 80 continues north into Mitchell County.