The top 10 deadliest national parks and parkways in America, according to data

While the U.S. national parks offer a chance for millions of visitors each year to experience the great outdoors with scenic beauty and recreational activities, there are also deadly risks associated with visiting. 

Data from public records and reports from the National Park Service, compiled by Mallow Law Offices serving personal injury victims, shows each park’s fatal incidents between 2014 and 2023. 

The top 10 deadliest national parks and parkways were then ranked in terms of both environmental and activity-based risks.

FILE - Rock formations are seen in the Grand Canyon at sunrise on Feb. 22, 2025, in Grand Canyon, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Top 10 deadliest national parks

By the numbers:

Lake Mead National Park, located along the border of southeastern Nevada and northwestern Arizona, was found to have the most reported fatal incidents over the last decade – with a total of 204 deaths. 

What we know:

The most common cause of death across all parks was motor vehicle accidents, followed by drowning and falls, according to the report. It included several national parkways in the ranking, which are scenic roadways designed for driving through areas of natural beauty – often within or leading to the national parks – and are managed by NPS.

1. Lake Mead National Recreation Area – 204 incidents: The report found that drowning accounts for nearly a third of these fatal incidents, followed by motor vehicle crashes.
2. Grand Canyon National Park – 134 incidents: Many of the fatal incidents at this famous site with steep cliffs and intense hikes were primarily due to falls and medical emergencies. Falls alone claimed 23 lives, according to the report.
3. Yosemite National Park – 125 incidents: The park in California's Sierra Nevada mountains recorded 42 fatal incidents linked to falls since 2014.
4. Great Smoky Mountains National Park – 99 incidents: Motor vehicle crashes were found to be the primary danger in this national park, which straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. They accounted for 42 of 99 incidents, according to the report, which noted how the scenic, but winding roads can easily cause drivers to lose control.
5. Blue Ridge Parkway – 97 incidents: This national parkway offers 469 miles of views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes in the Appalachian Highlands, and it also sees a high number of motor vehicle incidents – with 60 recorded accidents, according to the report.
6. Natchez Trace Parkway – 96 incidents: This 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee registered 80 motor vehicle crashes since 2014, according to the report.
7. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area – 77 incidents: With a mix of water and rocky terrain, this area that stretches from Arizona to Utah had 77 recorded fatal incidents, including 19 drownings, the report said.
8. Golden Gate National Recreation Area – 72 incidents: This area surrounding the San Francisco Bay Area had 28 fatal incidents reported as undetermined, and 14 reported as drownings, according to the report – which noted the cliff edges, unpredictable weather, and chilly, dangerous swimming areas.
9. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks – 65 incidents: With huge mountains, rugged foothills, dense forests, deep canyons, and the world's largest trees, there were 65 fatal incidents reported since 2014 – many due to falls, the report said.
10. Baltimore-Washington Parkway – 62 incidents: As an urban national parkway, this 29-mile, scenic route connecting Baltimore to Washington, D.C. – and managed by the National Park Service – sees high traffic. It had 59 motor vehicle fatal incidents recorded since 2014, the report said.

NPS: Visitors play ‘important role’ in reducing risk

What they're saying:

On its website, NPS reminds visitors that activities they choose to do while in the park, such as hiking, biking, driving, or swimming, can expose them to hazards. 

"Your risk of an illness, injury, or death increases when you have not planned for your trip, are not prepared for your activity (including underestimating the environment), and do not make informed decisions," NPS states. "Remember, safety is a shared responsibility between you and the park. You play an important role in reducing your risks."

What you can do:

 It also shares tips to reduce the risk of for visitors. This includes:

• Becoming familiar with the park ahead of time
• Picking an activity that is right for a visitor’s experience, skills, and fitness level
• Preparing for the activity and the environment, including bringing the right gear and checking the weather
• Leaving a trip plan with a trusted contact at home who is not traveling
• Following regulations, warning signs, and safety recommendations from park rangers
• Making informed decisions during the activity, including "checking in with yourself and turning around when conditions change."