Avoid the crowds of nearby lookout towers and hike a less popular section of the Appalachian Trail from Burningtown Gap to an expansive view from the summit of Rocky Bald. For a shorter but steeper option, check out Rocky Bald via Tellico Gap.

Begin this hike at Burningtown Gap. Look for the trail to the left from where the road ends at the parking area. The AT crosses through the gap so make sure you're going the right way as there are no north or south markers. The hike begins with its longest ascent, climbing at a rate of 600 feet per mile for the first 1.8 miles.

At 1.1 miles you pass the Cold Spring shelter, staying straight. At 1.9 miles you'll get a small view on your right near the summit of Cooper Ridge Bald. This is the only unobstructed view until Rocky Bald. Cold weather will provide winter views through the trees throughout most of the hike, but in summer you'll only find these two views. From here, the trail levels out along the ridge for the rest of the hike until reaching the Rocky Bald spur trail on your right at 3 miles in.

Climb the steep spur trail to an open rock ledge that provides a near 180-degree view to the east. On the way up you'll cross over a few bare rock sections. Look for the blue blazes on the ground to lead the way and be careful if it's wet or icy. Looking out toward Sylva, you can see to the edge of the Nantahala National Forest where it borders Pisgah National Forest along the Blue Ridge Parkway about 30 miles in the distance.