ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Much of the Blue Ridge Parkway remains closed because of winter weather, with only a short section open in Asheville, park officials said.
The National Park Service reported that the parkway is open from the Folk Art Center at milepost 382 to U.S. 25 (Hendersonville Road) at milepost 388.8. All other sections remain closed because of snow, ice and debris.
Additional winter weather is forecast for the weekend, and officials cautioned that conditions could continue to change. Parkway crews are assessing road conditions, and closed sections will reopen as they are cleared and deemed safe.
The Road Status and Closures page on the Blue Ridge Parkway website provides updates and details on which sections are authorized for winter recreation. Sections closed for Tropical Storm Helene recovery remain closed to all uses, while areas closed for non-Helene road projects are open for trail use only. Recreation is permitted on sections closed solely due to winter weather.
Park officials urged visitors who plan to recreate on open or authorized sections to prepare for changing conditions, avoid frozen bodies of water and expect delayed emergency response times, particularly on closed road segments. Cell service is limited in many areas, and visitors are encouraged to leave an itinerary with someone at home.
The National Park Service also reminded the public not to enter areas closed due to hurricane-related road damage, to remain alert for road crews at work and to avoid blocking gates during winter closures.