America’s 10 Deadliest National Parks Revealed
Every year, millions of people visit national parks scattered throughout the country, but these parks come with certain dangers. Data from the National Park Service reveal that 2,459 visitors died in national parks between 2014 to 2021.
During that period, most of the causes of death were natural or medical-related (430), followed by motor vehicle crashes (407). There were considered 382 deaths with “undetermined” causes, followed by drowning (370).
Other causes of death included falls (203), environmental (91), transportation (59), and homicide (26). Deaths caused by wildlife or animals were the rarest, with just 4 reported during that period.
Here are the top 10 national parks that reported the most fatalities.
1. Lake Mead National Recreation Area
Death count 2014–2021: 153
Lake Mead had an estimated 5.6 million visitors in 2022. Located in Nevada and Arizona, the area is known as the country’s first and largest national recreational area.
Out of the 370 drownings reported in national parks over the eight years, 44 people died from drowning at Lake Mead, the most of any park. There were about 30 deaths from medical causes and 24 motor vehicle crashes.
2. Grand Canyon National Park
Death count 2014–2021: 116
Located in Arizona, the Grand Canyon has an estimated 4.73 million visitors in 2022, making it one of the most highly visited national parks in the United States. Even though the area is known for its massive canyon and incredible views, falls were not the leading cause of death in the frequently visited park.
Instead, most of the deaths at the Grand Canyon were listed as medically related. Park rangers warn hikers to stay hydrated and hike during the cooler parts of the day.
Data also revealed that 13 people died from falling and 8 from drowning.
3. Natchez Trace Parkway
Death count 2014–2021: 109
Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic and historic roadway that extends roughly 440 miles from Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi. The parkway saw 6.54 million visitors in 2022.
In the eight years covered by the report, the leading cause of death was motor vehicle crashes. Sixty people died from collisions, while 6 died from medical reasons.
4. Yosemite National Park
Death count 2014–2021: 102
Yosemite National Park is located in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. Best known for its waterfalls, the park saw 3.67 million visitors in 2022.
Between 2014 and 2021, the park had 33 deaths related to medical conditions, while 29 people died from fatal falls. There were 8 drownings and 6 deaths due to the environment.
5. Blue Ridge Parkway
Death count 2014–2021: 95
The Blue Ridge Parkway, known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” follows the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, connecting Skyline Drive in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
The Parkway, which had an estimated 15.7 million visitors in 2022, reported 37 deaths due to vehicle collisions, 7 deaths from medical conditions, and 4 homicides.
6. Golden Gate National Recreation Area
Death count 2014–2021: 83
Golden Gate National Recreation Area stretches 82,000 acres north and south of the Golden Gate Bridge, making it one of the world’s largest national parks in an urban setting and home to one of the largest urban parks in the world.
The national recreation area saw 15.6 million visitors in 2022. There were 21 reported deaths with undetermined causes, 9 drownings, and 8 deaths related to medical causes.
7. Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Death count 2014–2021: 82
The Great Smoky Mountains, which cover part of North Carolina and Tennessee, had nearly 13 million visitors in 2022.
The leading cause of death at this national park was motor vehicle crashes. Winding highways in the mountain are especially dangerous during extreme weather.
The Great Smoky Mountains saw 28 deaths from collisions and 19 deaths related to medical conditions.
8. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Death count 2014–2021: 63
This California park consists of giant trees, deep canyons, and towering mountains. More than 1 million visitors come to Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks each year.
Between 2014 and 2021, there were 24 fatal falls, 11 deaths from medical causes, and 10 drownings.
9. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Death count 2014–2021: 62
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which encompasses the area around Lake Powell and Lower Cataract Canyon in Utah and Arizona, has approximately 3 million visitors annually.
The national recreational area has 20 drownings as the leading cause of death, followed by 15 deaths related to medical conditions and 9 deaths that had undetermined causes.
10. Gateway National Recreation Area
Death count 2014–2021: 61
The Gateway National Recreation Area spans 27,000 acres from Sandy Hook in New Jersey to Breezy Point in New York City. It saw 8.73 million visitors in 2022.
The Gateway reported 22 deaths with undetermined causes, as well as 12 deaths related to medical conditions and 10 drownings.
