The Presidential Range in the White Mountains of New Hampshire consist of a series of mountains whose maximum elevation reaches and represent some of the highest mountains in the United States east of the Mississippi River. Fatalities in this area are dominated by those that occur on Mount Washington, the highest peak in the range. It is notorious for its unpredictable and inclement weather, making it one of the deadliest mountains in the continental United States. Due to its unique location relative to other geographic features, it holds the world record for highest recorded surface wind speed not within a tropical cyclone. Huntington Ravine, on the mountain's eastern face, has been classified by local search and rescue teams as the most dangerous hike in the White Mountains due to high exposure and steep rock climbs and scrambles over cliff faces.
The New Hampshire Fish and Game Department conducts an average of 200 rescues a year for hikers in need of assistance. Mt. Washington itself has been listed among the ten deadliest mountains in the world.
The following table lists 178 known fatalities and missing persons within the Presidential Range. Many fatalities occur during spring, autumn and winter, particularly when the weather in the surrounding lower elevations is slightly above average for the season. Most fatalities are a result of exposure or falls.