National Park After Dark - podcast cover

National Park After Dark

Audioboom Studiosnpadpodcast.com
Hosted by two friends who share a passion for the wilderness and a fascination with what can go wrong there, each week hosts Danielle and Cassie explore the darker side of our National Parks and explore these treasured places in a whole new way - because behind the iconic arches and towering trees lie layered histories, grisly encounters, extraordinary stories of survival, tragic ends and so much more. But it isn’t always chills and thrills. By sharing inspiring tales and their desire for protecting our planet’s wild places, they hope the show will inspire listeners to lace up their own hiking boots and take a walk into the wild to create meaningful adventures of their own.

Episodes

21: Little Islands. The Dark History of America’s National Parks

To celebrate National Indigenous History Month, we take a step back in history as Danielle flips back the pages of time and brings us to a dark chapter in US history. National Parks, some of our favorite places in the world, were once home to thousands of Native Peoples. Today we are familiar with why National Parks were created – to protect land and resources from development, and "for the benefit and enjoyment of the people", but do we really know how they were created? The lands we benefit fr...

Jun 14, 202153 minEp. 21

20: The World's Highest Graveyard. Sagarmatha National Park

Pack all of your cold weather gear, trash bags, and oxygen tanks. We are heading to the highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest in Sagarmatha National Park. In the past 80 years over 300 people have died on this mountain and many of their bodies have never been recovered. While tourism to summit Mount Everest has brought money to the country of Nepal it has also brought a huge problem, litter. In a climate where survival is more important than being respectful to our planet, over 100,000 po...

Jun 07, 20211 hrEp. 20

19: Panthers and Crocodiles and Death, Oh My! Everglades National Park.

Fasten your seat belts folks, we are in for a wild ride. Come along if you dare as we wade through Everglades National Park. Walking the line between elegant and eerie, dynamic and deadly this is a Park with danger around every murky corner. The largest wilderness East of the Mississippi has larger than life stories, and we have just barley skimmed the surface. We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take...

May 31, 202134 minEp. 19

18: Night of the Grizzlies - Part 2 - Glacier National Park

Welcome back Night of the Grizzlies - Part 2. Bring your medical supplies, this is a rescue mission to find and save these two missing girls who just suffered horrific bear attacks. And bring a pencil and a pad of paper because at the end of this story were going to have a lesson in bear safety and what you will need to do if you ever encounter one. We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to...

May 24, 202149 minEp. 18

17: Night of the Grizzlies - Part 1 - Glacier National Park

This week we are taking you deep into the backcountry where the world is still wild and unpredictable. The views may be beautiful but this is no time to get distracted because you never know what might be lurking in the thick brush of Glacier National Park. On this trip you’re going to need to stay alert, bring all of your gear, and bring plenty of protection. For this episode we will be retelling the story of Night of the Grizzlies by Jack Olson, A true story that took place in Glacier National...

May 17, 20211 hr 8 minEp. 17

16: Mistake or Malice? Zion National Park

Set aside your fear of heights and keep an open mind as we embark on the Observation Point Trail in Zion National Park – the same trail where Patricia Bottarini lost her life. Today, 24 years later, whether her death was a result of an ill intentioned husband or a tragic accident is not clear. In this week’s episode listen as Danielle walks us through the events leading up to her death, and the controversy that followed. We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there...

May 10, 202139 minEp. 16

15: Stranded in Isle Royale National Park with Windigo

Pack your bags and bring plenty of supplies, who knows how long you will be joining us in Isle Royale National Park. In this episode we are taking you back to the 1800s during the Copper Rush around Lake Superior. When an indigenous woman and her French-Canadian voyageur husband are asked to head to Isle Royale to scope out copper they agree to stay there for three months during the summer, but when no one comes back for them they need to figure out how to survive the harsh winter of northern Mi...

May 03, 202149 minEp. 15

14: Spirits of the Stanley. Rocky Mountain National Park.

Pack your overnight back and don’t forget to sign the guest book, this week we are headed to one of the most famous - and haunted - hotels in America. Bordering Rocky Mountain National Park, for over 100 years the walls of this building have been filled with laughter, music and joy, but those same walls have also trapped spirits - spirits who have no problem making their presence known. Today, we are checking into the Stanley Hotel. We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you'...

Apr 26, 202146 minEp. 14

13: A Fatal Lightning Strike and the Jenny Lake Rangers - Grand Teton National Park

Check the weather before you head out on this adventure and leave any metal objects at home. In this episode we head to Grand Teton National Park and follow the journey of a group of climbers from Idaho who head out to summit the Grand Teton. When a lightning bolt hits 6 climbers at once, their only chance of survival are the Jenny Lake Rangers, the most elite group of rescue climbers in the entire United States National Park system. Come follow along with their journey, based from the book and ...

Apr 19, 20211 hr 17 minEp. 13

12: How Not To Die. Yellowstone Edition

Grab your notebooks and sharpen those pencils, it’s time to take notes on how to not die in Yellowstone. Designated as the world’s first national park, Yellowstone is unique in so many ways. From its distinct thermal features, various species of iconic wildlife and picturesque landscapes this park draws in millions of visitors annually. 149 years of people flooding the gates, roadways and trails has left Yellowstone with its fair share of tragedy. So much in fact, that hundreds of stories have f...

Apr 12, 202157 minEp. 12

11: Mercy or Murder? Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Grab your camping gear and make sure you bring plenty of water. This might be a good time to leave your best friend at home. This week we are taking you to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. When two friends from Boston head out on a cross-country road trip to California, they stop at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico to camp for the night. What was supposed to be a one night camping trip ends up being longer than either of them expected and only one of them makes it out alive. Join us t...

Apr 05, 202148 minEp. 11

National Park After Dark Trailer

Welcome to National Park After Dark. Join us every week as we explore the dark side of our beloved National Parks.

Mar 30, 20211 min

10: Bodies in Water. Olympic National Park.

Keep your eyes on the road and be aware of your surroundings. Come along with us as we wade through Olympic National Park’s Lake Crescent - beautiful waters that harbor some truly dark stories. This lake has drawn in people from around the world with its beauty, calling out like a siren. But just like the storied mermaids who use their enchanting calls to lure in sailors, the waters of this lake have drawn in many unfortunate souls that eventually meet a watery demise. We love our National Parks...

Mar 29, 202152 minEp. 10

9: Patagonia. The Death of a Conservation Legend

Grab your passports and your life jackets. In our very first episode completely dedicated to a National Park abroad, we head to Patagonia. In this episode we explore the iconic lives of Kris and Doug Tompkins and all the strides they've made in the world of conservation. Unfortunately, in the midst of these accomplishments, Doug passed away in a tragic kayaking accident. We discuss exactly what happened the day of his death and the extreme conditions that led to his demise. This power couple, ev...

Mar 22, 202148 minEp. 9

8: Celebrating Women’s History Month: Women of Our National Parks

Throughout history, women of all ages, backgrounds and ethnicity have made monumental impacts on National Parks here in the US and throughout the world. But why don't we learn about them? Men like John Muir and Theodore Roosevelt make frequent appearances in our history books when it comes to National Park history, but as the old saying goes - behind every great man is an even greater woman. So in that spirit - ladies, let's get in formation. In honor of Women's History Month we want to share st...

Mar 15, 20211 hr 11 minEp. 8

7: Cannibals in the Great Smoky Mountains?

Bring your hiking boots and pack all your summer camping gear. We are taking you to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This episode is inspired by a viral Tik Tok video that surfaced with the claims of cannibals living inside the park and specifically, these cannibals are the reason for the long time debated disappearance of 6 year old, Dennis Martin. We're diving deep into this entire investigation of his disappearance, day by day, and debunking the mystery of what could have happened to ...

Mar 08, 20211 hr 5 minEp. 7

6: The Greatest Tragedy. Mount Rainier National Park.

Mt. Rainier has been the site of more than 400 recorded deaths since it was established as a National Park in 1899. Tragedy is no stranger of the glaciated peak with causes of death including climbing accidents, falls, avalanches, murder and suicide. However this 75 year old accident still holds the solemn title for the single greatest tragedy in the history of the park. Strap in and hold on tight as Danielle talks us through the Curtis Commando R5C crash of 1946. We love our National Parks and ...

Mar 01, 202148 minEp. 6

5: Trail Tales 1

Gather round as we share stories from you, to you in our first ever listener episode! From UFOs to the paranormal, spooky findings and search and rescue missions, you really nailed it! All stories shared with the permission of submitting parties We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re listening to NPAD! Become part of our Outsider family on Patreon ...

Feb 22, 202127 minEp. 5

4: A Serial Killer in Yosemite

Pack all your things, bring your camera and make sure to have a friend with you at all times. And whatever you do, make sure you do NOT open the door for strangers. This week we are heading to Yosemite to discuss the gruesome murders that happened there in 1999 which left the park a ghost town for months. We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Please take a moment to rate and subscribe from wherever you’re list...

Feb 14, 20211 hr 15 minEp. 4

3: Death in Denali. Carnivores of Katmai.

Pack all your gear and don’t forget the bear spray as we head out to Alaska. In this week’s episode, Cassie starts us off in Denali National Park and recounts the tragic tale of the deadliest climbing accident in the Park’s history. Then, Danielle takes us to Katmai National Park where she shares with us the tragic demise of grizzly bear researcher and advocate Timothy Treadwell. We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch you...

Feb 08, 20212 hr 51 minEp. 3

2: Mammoth Mysteries. Mammoth Cave National Park.

Grab your flashlight and stick with the group as we enter Mammoth Cave National Park. With hundreds of miles of caves and thousands of years of history, it's easy to get lost in here. Come listen as Danielle guides us through the Park's colorful and at times, dark, past. Hear the stories of those who have explored, lived and died in these caves, and perhaps never left. We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, remember to enjoy the view but watch your back. Ple...

Feb 01, 202142 minEp. 2

1: Unsolved. Shenandoah and Acadia National Park.

Lace up those hiking boots and get ready to enter Shenandoah and Acadia National Park. In the first episode of National Park After Dark, listen along as Cassie and Danielle tell the tragic tales of Julianne Williams, Lollie Winans and Leslie Spellman – three women who came to explore these parks, but never left. As of June 20, 2024 Julie and Lollie's case has been officially solved. Link to the FBI announcement here . We love our National Parks and we know you do too but when you're out there, r...

Jan 25, 20211 hr 3 minEp. 1