The country's most visited national park sees more than 12 million visitors each year - and it's right here in North Carolina (and Tennessee). If you live in North Carolina, then you already know there is much to love and admire about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the rest of the country clearly agrees. The number two park, by the way, sees only a little over a fourth of the visitors that flock to GSMNP. Number two is Yellowstone, which sees 3.8 million visitors per year. But being number one by such a huge margin puts our park at risk for a non-weighted statistic: annual deaths that occur within our national parks. Here's more on why the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is considered one of the most dangerous places in North Carolina.

As it turns out, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park isn't number one when it comes to being the most dangerous. In fact, it's number three.

The park itself is divided by the state border between North Carolina and Tennessee. The park's footprint, seen here in bright green, includes a massive 522,419 acres.

And if you've ever driven through GSMNP, then you're undoubtedly smitten by the scores of overlooks and amazing vistas. Driving is one of the most popular activities!

At other national parks that rank high on the dangerous list, falls that lead to fatality are the number one cause of deaths. And not just falls associated with waterfalls, either. Many national parks feature rugged terrain that can be deadly if a fall occurs.

But at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, deaths related to falls and rugged terrain, or from wild animals, take a back seat to driving-related deaths.

Since 2010, 92 deaths have occurred at Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The majority of them were caused by motor vehicle crashes.

Keep that in mind when traveling to or through the country's most popular national park.

Despite being one of the most dangerous places in North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountain National Park still is one of the most day-trip-worthy destinations in the state. A little preparation can go a long way!

Plan your day according to when fogs typically roll in and plan to be off the road during those times. Driving in heavy fog conditions is dangerous. Also, keep an extraordinarily large distance behind the vehicle in front of you. These two things will increase your safety while visiting the park. For more driving safety tips while at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, see this link on the official website for the National Park Service.