[2] The rock is a glacial erratic estimated to weigh 1,800 short tons (1,600 t) and has a 30-foot (9.1 m) overhang.

Members of the Matinecock had a settlement nearby and a number of legends about the rock arose among both the Native Americans and the European colonists.

[2][4] The boulder is located on Greentree, a private estate once owned by the Whitney family.

[3] The top of the boulder is just visible from Shelter Rock Road, more so in the colder parts of the year when the vegetation recedes.

[1] On March 27, 2007, Shelter Rock was declared a Town of North Hempstead Designated Landmark by the Town of North Hempstead Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission.