The mountain is named due to the resemblance of its three arched peaks and large rock slides to Gothic architecture.

[6] The earliest recorded ascent was made on October 11, 1875, by Verplanck Colvin, Roderick L. McKenzie, and Ed Phelps, although an unrecorded ascent was likely made earlier by James J. Storrow and Orlando Beede.

[7] The summit of Gothics is an alpine tundra zone, and on clear days views of 30 nearby peaks are available, as well as the Upper and Lower Ausable Lakes.

The total distance from Johns Brook Lodge to the summit is 3.7 miles (6.0 km), for an elevation gain of 2,360 feet (720 m).

The top of Pyramid Peak offers additional views of the surrounding mountains.