ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The Blue Ridge Parkway is showcasing its winter scenery this weekend, even as several sections remain closed to vehicle traffic because of seasonal weather.

Visitors are allowed to explore areas behind closed gates for recreation, but officials urge caution. Park staff advise visitors to plan for changing weather, avoid frozen bodies of water and expect delayed emergency response times in closed sections.

Some areas remain entirely off-limits because of road damage from Tropical Helene. Cell phone service is unreliable in many parts of the park, so visitors are encouraged to leave an itinerary with someone at home. Parkway crews may also be working in the area, and gates should not be blocked when accessing closed sections.

For a full list of road closures and authorized winter recreation areas, visit the National Park Service’s Road Status and Closures page
and Winter Recreation page.