Houvenkopf Mountain

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Houvenkopf Mountain
Elevation 931 feet (284 metres)
Location Bergen County, NJ, USA
Range Ramapo Mountains
Coordinates 41°06′21″N, 74°10′31″W
Topo map USGS Ramsey
Easiest route hike

Houvenkopf or Hovenkopf Mountain is a mountain in Bergen County, New Jersey, extending 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 and is known as Stag Hill. It is separated by a deep saddle from the major peak on the New York side, the "Hooge Kop" proper, which rises to c. 770 feet and overlooks Hillburn to the north and Suffern to the east. It is part of the Ramapo Mountains.

[edit] History

The mountain's name is derived from the Dutch "Hooge Kop", meaning "High Head". Locals used to spread grain around the summit boulders and catch passenger pigeons.

The mountain was the subject of a poem, "Mount Houvenkopf", by Joyce Kilmer, written in 1918. In 1928, the KKK burned fiery crosses on the mountainside, easily visible in Suffern and beyond.

Parts of the mountain, including the summit of Stag Hill, are now part of the Ramapo Mountain Reservation and are publicly accessible.

[edit] External links