Falls Lead Accidental Deaths in National Parks

An analysis of National Park Service data across 63 parks from 2014 to 2022 finds falls cause the largest share of accidental deaths.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in National Parks

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a steep rocky cliff edge above a canyon with a distant ridge, evoking the hazards of terrain in national parks. — Falls caused about 36 percent of accidental deaths across 63 US national parks from 2014 to 2022, ahead of motor vehicle crashes and drownings, according to an Outforia analysis of National Park Service data. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Outforia analyzed National Park Service data on accidental deaths across 63 national parks from 2014 to 2022. Falls accounted for about 36 percent of those deaths, followed by motor vehicle crashes at about 21 percent and drownings at about 16 percent.

Why it matters

The breakdown shows that most accidental deaths in parks stem from everyday hazards rather than rare events, which is relevant for visitors planning hikes and drives. Chiricahua National Park became America's 64th national park in October and is not included in the rankings.

The figures come from National Park Service accidental death records for 63 parks covering 2014 to 2022, as compiled by Outforia. Yosemite, Great Smoky Mountains and Grand Canyon recorded the highest totals, while Wrangell-St. Elias had the highest risk per visit at about one death per 65,000 visits.

The players

Outforia

Outforia is an outdoor travel organization that compiled and categorized the National Park Service accidental death data in this analysis.

National Park Service

The National Park Service is the federal agency that manages America's national parks and maintains records of visitor incidents and accidental deaths.

The details

Outforia categorized the leading causes of accidental death by park, with falls the most common cause nationally. Aircraft incidents accounted for 4.7 percent of deaths and other transportation for 3 percent.

2014 to 2022: Period of accidental death data analyzed across 63 national parks.
October: Chiricahua National Park became America's 64th national park, prior to this publication.
November 3, 2026: Newsweek published the analysis of national park accidental deaths.

Seasonal Patterns

The ranking draws on National Park Service accidental death records covering 2014 to 2022 and shows falls as the leading cause across the 63 parks analyzed. Chiricahua's addition as the 64th national park will bring its own records into future comparisons of park-by-park risk.

Visitors heading into the parks can reduce risk by focusing on the most common hazards, such as falls on trails and vehicle crashes on park roads. Checking park-specific safety information before a trip can help travelers plan around the leading causes of accidental death.

The takeaway

Most accidental deaths in national parks come from falls, vehicle crashes and drownings, so paying attention to footing, road conditions and water safety matters most. Checking a park's specific risk profile before visiting can help travelers prepare.