There is a location at a secluded intersection in North Park, Pittsburgh, PA known to locals as “Gravity Hill”. It is one of many such locations across the country (and world) in which gravity is mysteriously altered and reversed, due to magnetic and supernatural forces that no one has dared to explain! Okay, so really it just seems to have been reversed due to an optical illusion (but hey, the other stuff makes for a better story!) Even though there is a scientific explanation, this is still a fun place to visit and experience. Even knowing the reason behind it does not distract from it, because in this case it really does appear that cars and objects roll uphill!
The North Park Gravity Hill is located at the intersection of Kummer and McKinney Roads, near the North Park Golf Course and on the hillside above Marshall Lake. There are two intersections between these roads, but the correct one is the one further down the hill, away from the Pigeon picnic shelter. The effect is most noticeable by driving up McKinney from Pearce Mill Road and stopping at the stop sign at Kummer. Once stopped, it appears that you are facing slightly downhill, but if you put your car in neutral you will see that it drifts backwards. Works every time…
Like other “gravity hills”, this experience is based on an optical illusion. For this illusion to occur, several characteristics about the setting must be in place. First, the horizon must be totally or partially obscured. The horizon serves to orient us in terms of up and down, and when it is obscured, it allows for spatial confusion. Next, there needs to be one or more additional objects (in this case, another road) in which to compare to. At this location Kummer Road descends adjacent to McKinney, but at a steeper slope. Since they are near each other at the intersection and situated in the same general direction, McKinney appears to be downhill in relation to Kummer.
The illusion can be seen by comparing the two pictures shown below. The first shows the intersection, facing east down the hill, as it appeared in May, 2020. The pavement in front of the stop sign slopes down suddenly, creating the illusion of a dip in the road. The second picture has been (very crudely) edited to show an embankment next to the road. In this case, there does not appear to be a dip in the road at all, and the slight uphill slope can be seen.
Nevertheless, gravity hills such as this have been the focus of ghost stories and urban legends. One such story that has been around for years, in one form or another, typically claims that a horrific, deadly crash occurred years ago at the intersection. The backwards movement of the car is due to the unfortunate spirit of the victim pushing the car away from the dangerous intersection, in a supposedly helpful manner. Creepy and far-fetched? You bet, but it all adds to the fun!
If you happen to find yourself near North Park, be sure to check out Gravity Hill for yourself!
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