The road with the steepest grade in the United States is a subject of significant dispute, with various locations laying claim to exceptionally steep sections. There isn't a single, universally agreed-upon answer, as the criteria for "steepest" can vary (e.g., overall average grade versus the maximum grade over a short distance).
Contenders for the Steepest Road in the US
Several roads across the United States are renowned for their extreme inclines, each with unique characteristics contributing to its claim as one of the steepest.
| Road Name | Location | Reported Grade | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waipio Valley Road | Big Island, Hawaii | Sections as steep as 45% | This incredibly steep road leads into the scenic Waipio Valley. Its severe grade, reaching up to 45% in certain sections, makes it one of the most challenging and steepest roads to descend or ascend, often requiring four-wheel drive. |
| Bradford Street | San Francisco, California | 39% grade over nine meters | Located in a city famous for its hilly terrain, Bradford Street features a distinct section with a formidable 39% grade, though this extreme incline spans a relatively short distance of nine meters. |
| Canton Avenue | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | (Specific percentage not universally agreed upon or cited in all sources) | While a precise grade percentage can vary by measurement, Canton Avenue is notably claimed by Pittsburgh news and international media as the steepest street in the world. This reputation highlights its extreme, challenging incline. |
Why the Record is Disputed
The contention surrounding the title of the "steepest road" arises from several factors:
- Length of Steepness: Some roads may have an incredibly sharp incline for a very short segment, while others maintain a significant grade over a longer stretch.
- Measurement Standards: Different methods of calculating road grade (e.g., average over a block, peak point) can lead to varying reported percentages.
- Local Claims and Publicity: Many communities take pride in their steepest roads, leading to local and media claims that may not always be standardized against national or international criteria.
For instance, while Waipio Valley Road boasts sections reaching 45%, and Bradford Street has a confirmed 39% grade over a specific length, Canton Avenue is widely asserted to be the world's steepest, implying its grade is exceptionally high, even if a precise, universally accepted percentage is less common in general discussions. This makes it challenging to definitively name one road as "the" steepest without further qualifying the type of steepness (e.g., short burst vs. sustained climb).
