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!
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!
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.
NASCAR Speedways, U.S.A.
NASCAR attracts fans from all over the country, making their speedways a popular stop for both tourists and locals alike. With over two dozen tracks in the United States and even some in Canada, racing events draw in thousands of spectators each year. Few know, however, that it’s not just the drivers who are risking injury during a race.
Over the years, there have been 47 spectator deaths and far more audience injuries at NASCAR races. Considering the entire sport is based on driving vehicles at unthinkable speeds until ultimately they either crash or cross the finish line, it should come as no surprise. More often than not, this occurred after the safety fences failed and people got hit with debris from an accident. Better than an entire car driving into the stands! However, that happens from time to time as well.
Dalton Highway, Alaska
Dalton Highway is a 414-mile stretch in Alaska that is not only known for its spectacular views but also its winding roads and steep drop-offs. Also known as “Haul Road,” local businesses take advantage of the largely unpaved road to transport heavy loads. As one of the most dangerous highways in the country, most car rental companies don’t allow visitors to drive on it in their vehicles, as they know there’s a slim chance they’ll get their vehicle back in one piece.
In addition to sharp turns, what makes the highway so dangerous is how isolated it is. If there was an accident, it could be days before someone came across it. They have helicopters scoping out the area once a day for just this reason, but Alaska’s harsh weather conditions can make this difficult. From temperatures that drop to -80 degrees, powerful wind tunnels, roaming wild animals, and frequent whiteouts, it’s certainly not the kind of highway you want to get stuck on.