It extends into New York, where it forms the western side of the southern entrance to Ramapo Pass.

The major peak on the New Jersey side rises to 931 feet (284 m) and is known as Stag Hill.

It is separated by a deep saddle from the major peak on the New York side known as the Hooge Kop proper, which rises to about 770 feet (230 m).

Houvenkopf Mountain's name is derived from the Dutch "Hooge Kop," meaning "High Head."

[4] The mountain was the subject of the poem titled "Mount Houvenkopf" by Joyce Kilmer, written in 1918.