Canton's Great Blue Hill hosts sunset hike and concert Oct. 10

Friends of the Blue Hills will host its annual Sunset Hike & Hilltop Concert on Saturday, Oct. 10, at Great Blue Hill in Canton. The event features guided hikes, live music and a hilltop picnic.

The 1,500-member Canton-based nonprofit works to protect the 7,000-acre Blue Hills Reservation. Its Oct. 10 event runs from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at 4001 Washington St. Visitors can hike to the summit on their own or join a guided hike led by the group's staff. At the top, guests can spread out a bring-your-own picnic and listen to Retro Rockets, a local classic rock and oldies cover band.

Preregistration is required. Participants check in at the registration table near the start of the Red Dot Trail, close to the Trailside Museum, before heading up.

"The Sunset Hike & Hilltop Concert is one of our favorite ways to show people that there are so many ways to experience the Blue Hills," said John Harrell, the nonprofit's volunteer and education program manager, in a preview posted by The Milton Scene. "You can come for the hike, the sunset, the music, the view — or simply to spend a fall evening outside with other people who love this place."

Tickets cost $5 for Friends of the Blue Hills members and $10 for nonmembers. New members can join for $30, which covers admission and a full year of membership benefits. Tickets are available at friendsofthebluehills.org.

The sun sets at about 6:10 p.m. that evening, so the group advises bringing a flashlight or headlamp for the walk back down the ski hill or access road. Free parking is available at the Blue Hills Ski Area near the Trailside Museum, but the main lot fills quickly. Carpooling is encouraged, and the MBTA 716 bus runs between Mattapan Station and Cobbs Corner in Canton, with stops in the Blue Hills.

Questions can be directed to [email protected].

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