National Park Deaths Dropped in 2025—but One Demographic Accounts for 84 Percent of Them

In 2025, 198 people died at National Park Service sites across the United States, a decrease from previous years, with men accounting for 83% of those fatalities, highlighting ongoing risks associated with outdoor recreation and travel.

The National Park Service’s 2025 mortality data shows a significant drop in fatalities compared to pandemic years, when annual deaths averaged over 300. Of the 198 deaths recorded last year, 114 were men, 23 women, and 61 remained unrecorded by sex. Experts attribute the gender disparity primarily to risk-taking behaviors and higher engagement in high-risk activities among men, such as solo hiking and off-trail climbing.

Dan Whitten, a retired search-and-rescue expert, noted that men tend to believe they have an advantage in wilderness situations, but in reality, their biggest danger often comes from driving to parks. Data from the CDC indicates men are responsible for nearly 70% of motor vehicle crash fatalities nationally, with rates more than double those of women. Five national parks—Lake Mead, Blue Ridge Parkway, Natchez Trace Scenic Byway, Great Smoky Mountains, and Yosemite—accounted for 25% of all deaths, primarily due to vehicle accidents and drownings, with parks that are more accessible seeing higher fatality numbers.

Why It Matters

This data underscores the importance of safety awareness for park visitors, especially men, who are disproportionately affected by fatalities. The high number of deaths at accessible parks suggests that risk mitigation efforts, such as improved signage, safety campaigns, and traffic management, could reduce future fatalities. Understanding the demographic and geographic patterns helps agencies prioritize safety interventions.

Background

Previous years saw higher death tolls, with annual fatalities averaging over 300 during the pandemic years of 2020-2023, and about 358 annually from 2014-2019. The decline in 2025 reflects both improved safety measures and possibly changing visitor behaviors. Historically, vehicle accidents and drownings have been the leading causes of death in parks, especially at popular, easily accessible sites.

“The most dangerous thing most of us do on a daily basis is drive. The parks that are easiest to access and recreate in tend to have the highest death rates.”

— Dan Whitten, retired search-and-rescue expert

What Remains Unclear

It is not yet clear whether the decline in overall fatalities will continue in subsequent years or if specific safety initiatives directly caused the decrease. Data on the precise circumstances of each death is still emerging, and future trends remain uncertain.

What’s Next

Authorities are expected to analyze detailed incident reports to develop targeted safety campaigns. Monitoring trends in park fatalities will continue, with potential policy adjustments aimed at reducing accidents, especially at the most visited parks and among high-risk demographics.

Key Questions

Why do men account for most of the deaths in national parks?

Experts attribute this to higher engagement in risky activities, risk-taking behavior, and a higher proportion of men driving to parks, which is a leading cause of fatalities.

Which parks have the highest number of fatalities?

Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Blue Ridge Parkway, Natchez Trace Scenic Byway, Great Smoky Mountains, and Yosemite National Park recorded the most deaths, mostly from vehicle accidents and drownings.

Are fatalities decreasing overall?

Yes, fatalities at national parks decreased in 2025 compared to previous years, but the reasons for this decline are still being analyzed.

What safety measures are being considered?

Potential measures include better signage, traffic control, safety campaigns targeting at-risk groups, and improved rescue preparedness.

Source: Outside