Houvenkopf Mountain facts for kids

Houvenkopf Mountain is a cool mountain located in Bergen County, New Jersey. It even stretches into New York, where it helps form the western side of the southern entrance to Ramapo Pass. This mountain is part of the larger Ramapo Mountains range.

The highest point on the New Jersey side is called Stag Hill, and it stands tall at about 931 feet (284 meters). A deep dip in the land separates Stag Hill from another important peak on the New York side, known as the Hooge Kop proper. This peak reaches around 770 feet (230 meters). Houvenkopf Mountain is found in Mahwah, New Jersey. It offers great views of nearby towns like Hillburn to the north, Suffern to the east, and Ringwood, New Jersey to the west.

What's in a Name?

The name "Houvenkopf Mountain" comes from a Dutch phrase, "Hooge Kop." This means "High Head," which makes sense for a mountain! Long ago, the very top of the mountain was known by other names too, like Split Rock or Pigeon Rock. People used to spread grain around the big rocks at the summit. They did this to catch passenger pigeons, which are now extinct birds.

A Mountain in Poetry

Did you know this mountain inspired a poem? A famous poet named Joyce Kilmer wrote a poem about it in 1918. The poem was simply titled "Mount Houvenkopf." It's pretty neat that a natural landmark can inspire art!

Exploring Houvenkopf Mountain

Good news for hikers and nature lovers! Parts of Houvenkopf Mountain are open to the public. They are part of the Ramapo Valley County Reservation. This means you can visit and explore some of the beautiful trails and natural areas on the mountain. It's a great place to go for a hike and enjoy the outdoors.