I occasionally get comments warning me about the “dangers” of hiking and outdoor activity. And while I always welcome dialogue, I want to challenge the mindset that fear equals safety. Because when we look at the numbers, the real danger isn’t being outside—it’s staying sedentary.
As Dr. John Delony often says, “Facts are your friends.” So let’s break this down:
Before we dive into the data, let me be clear: I believe in preparation and wisdom. I’ve published a hiking safety video and written extensively on the topic. If you haven’t seen it, here’s the link:
đź“ą Hiking Safety Video
đź“Š Top 10 Causes of Death in the U.S. (2025) Source: CDC and public health data
- Heart Disease – 680,981 deaths
- Cancer – 613,352 deaths
- Unintentional Injuries (Accidents) – 222,698 deaths
- Stroke – 162,639 deaths
- Chronic Lower Respiratory Diseases – 145,357 deaths
- Alzheimer’s Disease – 114,034 deaths
- Diabetes – 95,190 deaths
- Kidney Diseases – 55,253 deaths
- Chronic Liver Disease & Cirrhosis – 52,222 deaths
- COVID-19 – 49,932 deaths
Notice #3: Unintentional injuries. That includes drug overdoses, falls, car crashes, and other accidents. Here’s the breakdown:
🚨 Unintentional Injury Deaths (2025)
- Unintentional Poisoning (mostly drug overdoses) – 100,304 deaths
- Falls – 47,026 deaths
- Motor Vehicle Accidents – 43,273 deaths
- Other Causes (drowning, fire, suffocation, etc.) – ~32,095 deaths
Key Insights:
- Drug overdoses account for nearly half of all accidental deaths.
- Falls are especially deadly among older adults.
- Car crashes remain a major risk—especially on weekends.
- Drowning, fire, and suffocation disproportionately affect children and vulnerable populations.
🧓 Falls Among Older Adults
- 1 in 4 older adults falls each year.
- 20–30% result in serious injury (hip fractures, head trauma, mobility loss).
- Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in seniors.
- 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls.
- Death rate for adults 65+ is 69.9 per 100,000—and rises sharply with age.
🥾 Hiking Fatalities: Perspective Matters
Estimated hiking-related death rate: ~4 per 100,000 hikers annually
- ~50% stem from falls or drowning
- Sudden cardiac events are also common among older hikers
Yes, these incidents make headlines. But they represent a tiny fraction of overall mortality. You don’t see heart disease or diabetes splashed across the front page—yet they claim hundreds of thousands of lives every year.
🌿 The Real Risk Is Inactivity
Heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, liver disease, and even falls are all linked to chronic inactivity, obesity, and poor lifestyle habits. The irony? Avoiding nature out of fear may actually increase your risk.
God didn’t design us to sit still. He gave us mountains to climb, rivers to cross, and forests to walk through. The Psalmist said it best:
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” — Psalm 19:1
🌤️ The Health Benefits of Being Outdoors
If fear keeps us inside, we miss out on one of the most powerful healing tools God has given us: nature itself.
Spending time outdoors isn’t just enjoyable—it’s essential. According to studies from UCLA Health and Healthline, even 120 minutes per week in nature can significantly improve physical and mental well-being. Whether it’s a hike, a walk in the park, or simply sitting under a tree, the benefits are profound:
âś… Physical Health
- Improved heart health – Nature lowers blood pressure and heart rate, reducing cardiovascular risk.
- Better breathing – Outdoor air is often cleaner than indoor air, lowering respiratory issues.
- Boosted immune system – Sunlight helps produce vitamin D, and forest air contains phytoncides that stimulate white blood cells.
- Enhanced sleep – Sunlight regulates your circadian rhythm, helping you fall asleep faster and sleep deeper.
🧠Mental & Emotional Health
- Reduced anxiety and depression – Nature calms the nervous system and lifts mood.
- Sharper focus and creativity – Green spaces recharge attention and spark new ideas.
- Higher self-esteem – Just five minutes of outdoor activity can improve confidence and emotional resilience.
- Social connection – Being outside fosters community and reduces feelings of isolation.
đź’¬ Final Thoughts: Live Boldly
Here are a few quotes to carry with you:
- “Every man dies, not every man truly lives.” — William Wallace
- “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” — Mae West
- “Enjoy life. There’s plenty of time to be dead.” — Hans Christian Andersen
- “Life is to be enjoyed, not endured.” — Gordon B. Hinckley
- “One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it’s worth watching.” — Gerard Way
- “The purpose of life is to live it… to reach out eagerly and without fear.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
- “Time you enjoy wasting was not wasted.” — John Lennon
- “The life you have left is a gift. Cherish it. Enjoy it now.” — Leo Babauta
- “Don’t sit and wait. Get out there, feel life. Touch the sun, and immerse in the sea.” — Rumi
Hiking Safety: https://youtu.be/rwG8PgFUqP4