The Pinnacle is a large morainic hill on the north side of Shaw’s Creek providing a spectacular view of the rolling Caledon hills. It rises steeply north of Shaw’s Creek behind the Upper and Lower mill sites and looms over the Alton settlement area.

The hill was completely denuded of trees by 1890. The combination of the Pinnacle and Shaw’s Creek defined the shape of the village as it grew and both remain key local focal points.

From the Cardwell Street entrance, turn north and follow Cardwell to Edmund. West on Edmund, to Main turning north to meet Queen. West on Queen to Amelia. Take the lane to the Alton Mill. At the Alton Mill, it turns sharply right and enters the MillCroft Inn properly and starts a long ascent to the Alton Pinnacle with views across the valley and the village.

The Alton Grange is located adjacent to the Alton. It is owned by the Ministry of Natural Resources and is managed by the Alton Grange Association, a volunteer-based organization.

This 350-acre tract is an environmentally significant property where two rivers, Shaw’s Creek and the Credit, flow south and converge. The Alton Forest is one of the few remaining areas along with the Upper Credit with large, intact riparian wetlands.

When you hike the trails marked throughout the property, you can’t help but notice the diversity of the ecosystems … huge stands of towering conifers, groves of maples and cedars, meadows, wetlands, several ponds and of course, the two rivers.