The mountain formed near the end of the Triassic Period with the rifting apart of the North American continent from Africa and Eurasia.

Subsequent faulting and earthquake activity tilted the strata, creating the cliffs and ridgeline of Short Mountain.

Hot, dry upper slopes, cool, moist ravines, and mineral-rich ledges of basalt talus produce a combination of microclimate ecosystems on the mountain that support plant and animal species uncommon in greater Connecticut.

The 51 mile (80k) Metacomet Trail, (maintained by the Connecticut Forest and Park Association), traverses Short Mountain.

The trail is used for hiking, snowshoeing and other passive pursuits; several outlooks provide views of the rural countryside below and the Hanging Hills to the north.