West Virginia is home to some of the country’s most breathtaking parks, but visitors should exercise caution when exploring these natural wonders. A recent study conducted by Triumph Law, P.C., has identified New River Gorge National Park & Preserve as the seventh most dangerous national park in the United States.
According to the study, New River Gorge experiences approximately five deaths per one million visits. This alarming statistic places it high on the list of national parks with significant safety concerns. On a broader scale, a person dies in a national park every 29 hours, with most fatalities attributed to human factors rather than natural causes.
Top 10 Most Dangerous National Parks in America
| # | National Park | State(s)Β / District / Territory | Average yearly visits | Total deaths (2013-2023) | Deaths per 1 million visits |
| 1 | Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument | AZ | 215,881 | 60 | 25.27 |
| 2 | Virgin Islands National Park | VI | 299,756 | 33 | 10.01 |
| 3 | Upper Delaware Scenic & Recreational River | NY, PA | 252,268 | 17 | 6.13 |
| 4 | Colorado National Monument | CO | 441,356 | 29 | 5.97 |
| 5 | Big Bend National Park | TX | 431,241 | 28 | 5.90 |
| 6 | Denali National Park & Preserve | AK | 478,153 | 28 | 5.32 |
| 7 | New River Gorge National Park & Preserve | WV | 1,291,650 | 72 | 5.07 |
| 8 | Redwood National and State Parks | CA | 444,254 | 22 | 4.50 |
| 9 | Death Valley National Park | CA, NV | 1,219,446 | 51 | 3.80 |
| 10 | Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks | CA | 1,680,761 | 69 | 3.73 |
The study meticulously analyzed official fatality data from 153 popular national parks across America. It sourced information from the US National Park Service, covering an 11-year period from the beginning of 2013 to the end of 2023.
Visitors to New River Gorge and other national parks are advised to prioritize safety and adhere to park guidelines to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.
Matt Pinner is a dedicated journalist for WVPrepBB.com, specializing in USA and crime news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for uncovering the truth, Matt brings timely and insightful reporting to his readers. His work on WVPrepBB.com keeps the community informed and engaged with the latest developments in national news and criminal justice.
