Conquering Canton Avenue: The Steepest Street in the USA!

Conquering Canton Avenue: The Steepest Street in the USA!

When you think of Pittsburgh, you might picture its famous three rivers, iconic steel bridges, or the beloved black and gold sports teams. But hidden among one of the city’s hilly neighborhoods is a street so steep it’s earned the title of the steepest street in the continental United States!

Address: Canton Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15216

Category: Weird History

Duration: Quick Stop

Directions and Info

Canton Ave is located less than 5 miles away from downtown in the Beechview neighborhood. Canton Ave is an active roadway, so be sure to obey all traffic regulations while driving. The street isn’t maintained during the winter, so be sure to visit during nice weather. Parking is available along the nearby residential streets, but be mindful of local regulations.

Looking down Canton ave

Steeper Than It Looks

Canton Avenue’s claim to fame is its 37% grade, which makes it the steepest officially recorded street in the United States. For comparison, San Francisco’s famed Filbert Street has a 31.5% grade, making Canton Avenue the clear winner. Some locals debate whether there are steeper streets in the city, which may be true, but Canton Ave has the longest, steepest grade.

A sign posted at the bottom of Canton Ave.

Driving up the street is another adventure. Cars must accelerate aggressively to avoid stalling, and drivers unfamiliar with the incline often second-guess themselves halfway up. The street is mostly cobblestone as it would be nearly impossible to pave it using modern asphalt paving machines. Most hills were originally paved using cobblestone to help horses and mules get a grip while traversing the steep streets.

The 37 Degree incline of Canton Ave.

The road is a one-way going uphill for vehicle traffic. Once at the top, you can either go around the block, or park and take in the view from the top of the hill. So, the next time you’re in Pittsburgh, take a break from the usual attractions and challenge yourself with a visit to the steepest street in the USA!

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