TL;DR
National Park Service data shows a decline in fatalities in 2025, with men making up 83% of deaths. Five parks account for 25% of all deaths, mainly driven by high-accessibility locations and motor vehicle accidents.
In 2025, 198 people died at National Park Service sites across the United States, according to a recent NPS report. Men accounted for 83% of these fatalities, highlighting a significant gender disparity. This trend underscores ongoing safety concerns and the importance of risk awareness for park visitors.
Data from the National Park Service, released in April 2026, shows a decline in fatalities compared to previous years, which averaged over 300 annually during the pandemic years of 2020-2023. The 2025 total of 198 deaths marks a decrease from 2024’s 193 deaths and is significantly lower than the 369 deaths recorded in 2022.
Among the deceased, 114 were men, 23 women, and the sex of 61 individuals was unrecorded. According to search-and-rescue expert Dan Whitten, men’s higher risk-taking behavior and engagement in high-risk activities such as solo hiking and off-trail climbing contribute to this gender disparity. Whitten also noted that the biggest danger for visitors is often the drive to and from parks, not necessarily the wilderness itself.
Five national parks—Lake Mead, Great Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, Natchez Trace Scenic Byway, and Yosemite—accounted for 25% of all deaths in 2025. Lake Mead recorded the highest number of fatalities, primarily drownings, due to its popularity for boating and fishing. The other parks with high death counts are located along major highways and see frequent vehicle accidents, which are the leading cause of death across NPS sites.
Why It Matters
This data highlights ongoing safety issues at popular and accessible parks, especially those with high visitor traffic and easy access. The gender disparity points to behavioral factors influencing risk, emphasizing the need for targeted safety messaging and education. The concentration of deaths in specific parks suggests that resource allocation for safety measures could be optimized to prevent future fatalities.
Understanding these patterns is vital for park management, policymakers, and visitors to improve safety protocols and reduce preventable deaths in national parks.
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Background
Previous years saw higher death tolls, with annual fatalities averaging over 300 during the pandemic and more than 350 before that. The trend of decreasing deaths in recent years may reflect improved safety measures, increased awareness, or changing visitor behaviors. Historically, the most common causes of death include motor vehicle accidents and drownings, especially at parks near major highways or water bodies. The gender disparity has been consistent, with men accounting for a large majority of fatalities over the past decade.
“The most dangerous thing most of us do on a daily basis is drive. The fears about wilderness risks are often overstated compared to everyday hazards.”
— Dan Whitten, search-and-rescue expert
“The decline in fatalities reflects ongoing efforts to improve safety and educate visitors about risks.”
— NPS spokesperson
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What Remains Unclear
It is not yet clear whether the decline in fatalities will continue in subsequent years or if specific safety measures directly caused this trend. The precise factors influencing the gender disparity and the role of behavioral versus environmental risks remain under investigation. Data on fatalities in smaller or less-visited parks is limited, and further analysis is needed to understand broader patterns.
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What’s Next
Next steps include ongoing monitoring of fatality data, targeted safety campaigns addressing high-risk behaviors, and possibly implementing additional safety measures at the most dangerous parks. Researchers and park authorities are expected to analyze trends further and develop strategies to keep reducing fatalities in the coming years.
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Key Questions
Why do men account for most park fatalities?
According to experts like Dan Whitten, men tend to take more risks and participate in high-risk activities such as solo hiking and off-trail climbing, which increase their likelihood of accidents.
Which parks have the highest number of deaths?
Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Great Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, Natchez Trace Scenic Byway, and Yosemite are the parks with the most fatalities, largely due to their popularity and accessibility.
Are fatalities decreasing overall?
Yes, the data shows a decline in fatalities in 2025 compared to previous years, with a total of 198 deaths, down from over 300 during the pandemic years.
What are the main causes of death in parks?
The leading causes are motor vehicle accidents and drownings, especially at parks near water bodies and along major highways.
What safety measures are being considered?
Park authorities are likely to continue safety campaigns, improve signage, and implement targeted interventions at high-risk sites to further reduce fatalities.
Source: Outside
