Mount St. Helens, Washington
Mount St. Helens appeals to rock climbers and hikers of all skill levels due to its scenic views and historic notoriety. As an active volcano, however, it is a significantly dangerous tourist attraction. Open all year round, anyone looking to attempt the five-mile trek to the crater’s rim will require a permit. In addition to some of the practical dangers associated with climbing a mountain, taking on Mount St. Helens adds the risk of being in the area during a volcanic eruption.
It was just in 2008 when the last volcanic activity was reported, which isn’t very long ago. Even worse, in 1980 a magnitude 4.2 earthquake caused the volcano to erupt, killing 57 people. Most of the deaths were caused by asphyxiation after inhaling hot ash from simply being in the area. But if you’re feeling lucky, then it’s known to be beautiful in the spring!
Spitting Caves, Hawaii
Popular among both tourists and locals, the Spitting Caves can be found in Honolulu, Hawaii. It’s located just below a high cliff where waves are known to crash, shooting into the cave and creating something that looks like a reverse blowhole. The relatively public trail is relatively short, but hidden in a wealthy residential area. In addition to the phenomenal views, people love to go there and check out where some scenes from the popular show “Lost” were filmed.
Cliff diving is popular at the Spitting Caves, leading to many injuries and some deaths. The strong waves have been known to rough people up, throwing them into the nearby cliffs. It’s not only those who are jumping in the waters willingly who are at risk. The slippery rocks have been known to send a few people into the waters as well, and not all of them have made it out.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, West Virginia
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum was a government-run psychiatric hospital that operated from 1864 until 1994. It was ultimately shut down after conditions were deemed unlivable and their treatment methods were found to be outdated. Visitors can spot electroshock and lobotomy instruments in the hospital rooms, which is likely what led to them opening a cemetery on the grounds.
The building’s unique architecture led to the reopening of the facility as a tourist attraction. Over the years, guests and workers have reported hearing voices, strange sounds, and even seeing apparitions. Ghost hunters and fans of the paranormal come from all over the world just to explore the rooms of the hospital, and it has yet to disappoint!
New Smyrna Beach, Florida
If you’re looking to go for a swim, you may want to avoid New Smyrna Beach in Florida. Dubbed “shark bite capital of the world,” it’s not exactly the kind of place you want to take the family. While the beach’s shark-infested waters haven’t claimed a life, nearly 250 people have been attacked since the 1800s, when the numbers were first recorded.
Fortunately, sharks don’t seem to prefer human flesh and the unsuspecting tourists who decide to go for a swim only end up losing a limb or needing a few stitches. The number of shark attacks at New Smyrna Beach has declined in recent years, but at least one person is bitten each summer. These statistics don’t seem to frighten tourists away though, as the beach is packed to capacity each year.
Centralia, Pennsylvania
Located in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, Centralia is known as a ghost town with a population of just five people. Once a small coal-mining town, an underground fire sent residents running for the hills. The coal mine fire has been burning since 1962 and shows no sign of letting up anytime soon. While most of the abandoned homes are no longer there, the town attracts tourists interested in seeing the fumes rise through the cracks of the crumbling streets as nature slowly reclaims its territory.
What makes the area so dangerous are the unstable grounds. Walking over them can lead to a painful fall into the mining caves below. The fumes coming from the cracks in the ground also pose as a potential threat, as they’re heavily toxic. Being out in the open won’t cause any issues, but walking into areas where the fumes are thick can be deadly!