And yet, despite their steepness, these three streets in the US don’t even look like they could possibly be drivable. With grades reaching well over 30%, these roads are a challenge for even the most experienced drivers.
One of the steepest streets in the US is Canton Avenue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This short but incredibly steep road has a grade of 37%, making it one of the steepest streets in the country. In fact, it holds the title of the steepest street in the US according to the Guinness World Records. The steep incline of Canton Avenue makes it nearly impossible for cars to drive up it without sliding back down. In fact, some cars have been known to struggle to make it to the top, with their wheels spinning and smoke billowing out of their engines.
Lombard Street in San Francisco, California, is another incredibly steep street in the US. While it may not be as steep as Canton Avenue, with a grade of around 27%, Lombard Street is famous for its winding, hairpin turns. This iconic street attracts tourists from all over the world who come to see the unique design of the road. Driving down Lombard Street is not for the faint of heart, as the tight turns and steep grade make it a challenge for even the most skilled drivers.
Lastly, Snake Alley in Burlington, Iowa, is a street that doesn’t even look like it was designed for cars. With a grade of 21%, Snake Alley is known for its curving, snake-like design that twists and turns down a hillside. This unique street is often considered one of the most crooked streets in the world, and driving down it is not for the faint of heart. The sharp turns and steep grade make Snake Alley a challenge for even experienced drivers, and many have trouble navigating the narrow path without scraping their car against the stone walls.
In conclusion, the US is home to some of the steepest streets in the world, and these three roads are just a few examples of the extreme challenges that drivers face. Whether it’s the nearly vertical incline of Canton Avenue, the winding turns of Lombard Street, or the twisting curves of Snake Alley, these streets are not for the faint of heart. Driving down these roads requires skill, patience, and a strong stomach, but for those who are up to the challenge, the views and thrills make it all worth it.