It lies at the extreme northwest end of Westchester County, and serves as the east anchor of the Bear Mountain Bridge.

The Hudson makes a turn around the southwestern tip, so that the northwestern side also slopes down to salt marshes along the river.

Another traditions names Anthony de Hooges (1620–1655), a deacon of the Dutch Reformed Church and early settler of Rensselaerswyck, for his prominent nose.

One of the Hudson River Chains was stretched from Fort Montgomery above West Point to the foot of the mountain.

The blue-blazed Camp Smith Trail leaves the AT southwestward just above the descent to 9D, and runs along the ridge to reach the summit.