America’s 10 Deadliest National Parks Revealed

FILE - This Aug. 29, 2002 file photo, shows the Colorado River at the Grand Canyon National Park, in Arizona. A new report by a federal watchdog outlines a history of sexual harassment on river rafting trips run by Grand Canyon National Park. The report obtained by The Associated Press comes after 13 current and former park employees filed a complaint in 2014 saying women had been abused. It’s set to be released later Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016, by the Department of the Interior’s Office of Inspector General. AP Photo/Brian Witte, File

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.

Visitors look at Lake Mead from a vista point in Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Arizona, on August 19, 2022. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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.

Rafting on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon at sunrise. Jim Mallouk/Shutterstock

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.

Hiking trails, such as this one in Tupelo, Miss., are found all along the Natchez Trace Parkway and total over 60 miles. traveler jordan/Shutterstock

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.

View of soaring rock formations overlooking tourist-filled Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park on June 25, 2012. Michael Thurston/AFP/Getty Images

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.

Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina. Anthony Heflin/Shutterstock

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.

The Golden Gate Bridge from Battery Spencer, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, in San Francisco, Calif. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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.

Sunrise over the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Lamar Sellers/Shutterstock

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.

A person walks near giant sequoia trees in Grant Grove in Kings Canyon National Park, Calif., on February 19, 2023. Mario Tama/Getty Images

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.

The Colorado River wraps around Horseshoe Bend in the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area. Rhona Wise/AFP/Getty Images

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.

Gateway National Recreation Area Sandy Hook Ruins. Taylor Crosby