Pittsburgh’s Steepest Streets: A Thrilling Tour of Canton Avenue and Beyond

Canton Avenue: America’s Steepest Street

Tucked away in Pittsburgh’s Beechview neighborhood, Canton Avenue holds the distinction of being the steepest officially recorded street in the continental United States with its breathtaking 37% gradient.  At just 630 feet long, what this street lacks in length it more than makes up for in vertical challenge.

To put this in perspective, a 37% grade means the road rises 37 feet for every 100 feet of horizontal distance.  The street is so steep that the sidewalks transform into staircases, and conventional road maintenance equipment struggles to service it.

Location and History

Canton Avenue is located in Pittsburgh’s South Hills area in the Beechview neighborhood.  From downtown Pittsburgh, take I-376 through the Fort Pitt Tunnels, then exit onto US 19/Banksville Road.  Take the third left onto Coast Avenue, go up the hill and you’ll find Canton Avenue on the left.

The street dates back to Pittsburgh’s early development when city planners often ignored topography in favor of grid-based layouts.  Rather than winding roads that would navigate the hills more gradually, streets like Canton Avenue were built straight up the hillside, creating the extreme gradients we see today.

The Controversy: World’s Steepest?

For years, Canton Avenue was widely considered the world’s steepest street, but this title has been contested.  Baldwin Street in Dunedin, New Zealand (with a 35% grade) and Waipio Valley Road in Hawaii (with sections reaching 39%) have both claimed the title.  The Guinness World Records currently recognizes Ffordd Pen Llech in Wales as the steepest at a 37.45% gradient.

Despite these competing claims, Canton Avenue remains a point of pride for Pittsburgh residents and continues to attract visitors looking to experience this gravity-defying street firsthand.

Discover the steepest street in America.

Beyond Canton: Pittsburgh’s Other Vertically Challenging Streets

Rialto Street (Pig Hill)

Located in Troy Hill, Rialto Street boasts a formidable 24% grade. Nicknamed “Pig Hill” because it was once used to transport pigs to slaughterhouses, this historic cobblestone street offers not just a steep climb but a glimpse into Pittsburgh’s industrial past.  The street connects the Allegheny River to the Troy Hill neighborhood and provides spectacular views of downtown Pittsburgh.

Boustead Street

Also located in the Beechview neighborhood, Boustead Street features an impressive 29% grade, making it the second steepest street in Pittsburgh.  Like Canton Avenue, the sidewalks here transform into stairs to accommodate pedestrians.  The street offers beautiful views of the surrounding neighborhoods and is part of the annual Dirty Dozen bike race route.

Suffolk Street

With a grade of approximately 21%, Suffolk Street in the South Side Slopes neighborhood offers not only a challenging climb but also some of the best views of downtown Pittsburgh.  The street is lined with historic homes built into the hillside, creating a unique architectural landscape that showcases how Pittsburgh adapted to its challenging topography.

Interactive map of Pittsburgh’s steepest streets, centered on Canton Avenue.

San Francisco’s steepest streets.

Visitor’s Guide: Conquering Pittsburgh’s Steep Streets

Best Times to Visit

The ideal time to explore Pittsburgh’s steep streets is during the spring and fall months when temperatures are moderate and road conditions are typically dry.  Summer visits are also pleasant, though afternoon thunderstorms can make the slopes slippery.  Winter visits should be approached with extreme caution, as these streets are often the last to be cleared of snow and ice.

Safety Precautions

Photography Tips

Capturing the true steepness of these streets can be challenging. For the most dramatic shots:

• Use a level camera to accurately represent the gradient
• Shoot from the bottom looking up for maximum impact
• Include people or vehicles in the frame for scale
• Try a side angle to show how buildings adapt to the slope
• Visit during early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting

Which are the steepest roads in Europe?

Cultural Significance: Pittsburgh’s Steep Streets in Popular Culture

The Dirty Dozen Bike Race

Since 1983, Pittsburgh has hosted the infamous “Dirty Dozen” bike race, challenging cyclists to conquer the city’s 13 steepest hills, including Canton Avenue.  Held annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, this 50-mile race has become a Pittsburgh tradition that draws competitors from across the country.

Canton Avenue is typically the eighth hill on the route and often proves to be the most challenging.  Many cyclists fail to make it up on their first attempt, creating a spectacle that draws hundreds of spectators each year.  The race has been featured in cycling magazines worldwide and has helped put Pittsburgh’s steep streets on the map for extreme sports enthusiasts.

Film and Television

Pittsburgh’s dramatic topography has made it a favorite location for filmmakers.  Canton Avenue and other steep streets have appeared in numerous car commercials, including a famous 2016 Audi commercial that showcased the vehicle’s ability to climb the slope in snowy conditions.

These streets have also made appearances in films set in Pittsburgh, including “The Next Three Days” (2010) and “Fences” (2016), where they serve as both practical locations and visual metaphors for the struggles of the characters.

Local Legends

Pittsburgh’s steep streets have generated numerous urban legends over the years.  One popular tale claims that early automobile manufacturers tested their vehicles on Canton Avenue to prove their climbing power.  Another legend suggests that during Prohibition, bootleggers favored these streets for evading police, as few patrol cars could manage the climb.

Whether true or not, these stories have become part of Pittsburgh’s cultural fabric, reflecting the city’s pride in its unique topography and the ingenuity required to navigate it.

Local Insights: Living with the Slopes

Pittsburgh’s Steep Street Checklist

Ready to experience Pittsburgh’s vertical challenges firsthand? Use this checklist to plan your steep street adventure:

• Canton Avenue – Beechview (37% grade) – 630 feet long – Coordinates: 40.4162° N, 80.0336° W
• Boustead Street – Beechview (29% grade) – Near the intersection with Crane Avenue
• Rialto Street (Pig Hill) – Troy Hill (24% grade) – Connects Herrs Island to Troy Hill
• Suffolk Street – South Side Slopes (21% grade) – Best views of downtown Pittsburgh
• Eleanor Street – Polish Hill (20% grade) – Part of the Dirty Dozen race route
• Sycamore Street – Mt. Washington (18% grade) – Near the Duquesne Incline
• Tesla Street – Hazelwood (17% grade) – Features unique stone retaining walls