There’s something truly strange that occurs on Lichau Road in Sonoma County. The road is known as a gravity hill, which is a strange phenomenon that occurs all over the country. California is actually home to a handful of gravity hills, but the one at Lichau Road is truly mystifying. As you drive up the hill, you can stop and put your car in neutral…and your car will start to actually roll uphill.
You'll find the location of this weird phenomenon at 6054 Lichau Rd, Penngrove, CA 94951.
It can be hard to find because there are no signs leading to it. The scenery is totally normal of Sonoma County. You'll get there by taking US Highway 101 and exiting at Rohnert Park. You'll get on Lichau Road and drive until you pass Cannon Road. Here you'll come to the crest of the gravity hill.
The weird thing about Lichau Road is that if you didn't know it was a gravity hill already, you wouldn't expect anything out of the ordinary. It looks completely normal.
The road winds around the hill and boasts some pretty amazing views of the valley below. However, people travel from all over the state to experience this crazy effect.
As you continue on Lichau, the road dips down into a trough before climbing back up. This is where you can put your car in neutral and feels the eerie effects of rolling uphill! Your car will appear to roll completely up the hill by itself, even picking up speed the farther you go along.
There are conflicting opinions about whether or not the effect is caused by an optical illusion or some sort of gravitational/magnetic anomaly. One thing is for certain, though. For a brief moment you'll feel like you're defying physics.
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It's important to note that this is a public road and all drivers should exercise caution when experiencing this phenomenon. Be sure to watch out for other drivers and it's recommended to use your hazard lights.
The feeling of rolling backward up the hill is truly too weird for words. It's something that needs to be experienced to be truly appreciated. Check out the video below of this bizarre effect and prepare to be amazed.
