Each year, hikers from throughout the Northeast and beyond flock to New Hampshire’s White Mountains to enjoy some of the best hiking available in the eastern United States. But, sometimes, those hikes end in tragedy.
A recent article on BostonGlobe.com interviewed author Julie Boardman, who has researched 219 deaths in the mountains, going back into the 19th century for her new book “Death in the White Mountains: Hiker Fatalities and How to Avoid Being One.”
The article featured some surprising statistics about deaths in the White Mountains. From 1849 to the present, the leading causes of death were falls (74), natural causes such as heart attacks (57), hypothermia (46), and avalanches (14). Surprisingly, 21 of the hypothermia deaths occurred between Memorial Day and Columbus Day. Her research also showed the worst month for accidents in the Whites is August, likely because of unpredictable weather and the higher number of visitors.
Read about why hikers should not underestimate New Hampshire’s White Mountains.