It is located near the southern border of the town of Keene in Essex County,[4] in the High Peaks Wilderness Area of Adirondack Park.

[6] The earliest recorded ascent of Nippletop occurred on August 31, 1837, when Ebenezer Emmons and a party of state scientists and guides climbed the mountain.

Emmons gave the mountain the name "Dial", but locals referred to it as "Nippletop" after the shape of the summit.

[4] The peak can be hiked to by trail starting at the Ausable Club.

The route to the summit is a distance of 6.6 miles (10.6 km) with an elevation gain of 2,760 feet (840 m).