The Steepest Road in Pennsylvania

Have you ever driven down a highway or road in Pennsylvania, and wondered if there are any other steep or narrow roads? Interestingly, Pennsylvania’s steepest road is also the steepest road in the United States! Follow along to discover the steepest road in Pennsylvania and the animals nearby.

What is the Steepest Road in Pennsylvania?

The steepest road in Pennsylvania is Canton Avenue, located in Pittsburgh’s Beechview neighborhood. Impressively, this small street is also the steepest recorded road in the country.

This street is about 690 feet long and has a maximum grade of 37%. While Canton Avenue is known as the steepest road in the United States and the world, these labels are often debated. Some believe that the steepest road in the country is Bradford Street in San Francisco. Regardless, it’s a very impressive and steep road.

Where is Canton Avenue Located on a Map?

Canton Avenue is found in Pittsburgh’s Beechview neighborhood, holds the record as the steepest officially documented public street in the United States.

This 630-foot-long street features a remarkable 37% grade, spanning a length of 21 feet.

Here it is on a map:

Wildlife in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Although you likely won’t find these animals on Canton Avenue, they live nearby. Here we have a list of some amazing animals near Canton Avenue in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania.

American Robin

The first animal on our list is the American robin. This migratory bird is found all over Pennsylvania. Fun fact, you can find American robins in each state in the United States. However, breeding and wintering robins migrate from the northern United States and Canada to parts of Florida, Texas, and California. American robins also winter in Mexico.

Currently, about seven American robin subspecies are recognized. They slightly range in size and plumage. Most American robins are about 9 to 16 inches long. They are known for their orange-red breasts and bellies. The rest of their feathers are brown and white.

American robins have a wide diet. They consume berries and plants, and also small invertebrates like beetles and earthworms. American robins have many predators. They are fast fliers but are hunted by domestic and feral cats, hawks, and other bird species.

Eastern Screech Owl

The next animal on our list is the eastern screech owl. This wonderful owl has a large native range but mostly lives in wooded areas where it can blend into its surroundings. Eastern screech owls are native to Eastern North America, from Mexico to Canada. There are two main colorations, the red morph, and the grey morph. Eastern screech owls that have a rusty red coloration are more common in the south. 

Although eastern screech owls prefer to live away from humans, they are flexible animals. They adapt well and sometimes live in urban areas, like parks. They sometimes also nest in backyards or on top of street lights. Eastern screech owls hunt at night and have a diverse diet.

Gray Fox

Gray foxes also live in Pittsburgh. They are members of the Canidae family. Gray foxes vary in size. They are between 29.9 and 44.3 inches long. Gray foxes are long, but thin, rarely weighing 20 pounds or more. These lovely foxes live in most parts of the United States, Central America, and South America. They are also found in southern Canada. Gray foxes are strong and excellent climbers. To escape from predators, gray foxes scurry up trees.

Big Brown Bat

Big brown bats live throughout Pennsylvania. You may spot them near Canton Avenue at night. Big brown bats are vesper bats with a wide range. They live in parts of North America, the Caribbean, and South America. Compared to other bat species in North America, big brown bats are large. They weigh between 0.53 and 0.92 ounces. They also have wingspans up to 13.8 inches long.

Big brown bats are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. There are also about 10 to 12 recognized subspecies, although the true number is debated. Big brown bats live in urban areas and at night hunt for flying insects around street lamps.

Black Crappie

Last but not least is the black crappie. Although you won’t find these silvery fish swimming in Canton Avenue, they live in many Pittsburgh lakes. Black crappies are popular freshwater game fish. While they are named black crappies, they are mainly silver, grey, and green, with black markings. These black sploshes cover their entire bodies. Black crappies vary in size. They can weigh anywhere from 1 pound to 5 pounds and 7 ounces.