Week long Spring Hike with emphasis on Photography ...ideas?

[LostandFound]

Still working on Spring trip section ideas in NC, TN, or VA. I have about a week in April or the last week in March. Pretty flexible on days. I have come to realize that I enjoy the camping and photography aspect, as much as the hiking milage. I want to move some miles and see as much as I can, but I don't have a distance requirement. As a photographer(& being from flat FL), I really want shoot some views, balds, or cliffs, etc. I am not much into shelters, so I was thinking I should try to avoid too much GSMNP. Ideas so far... 1.)MST-Clingmans to Pisgah Inn but skipping the road hike in the middle. 2.)MST- Balsam to Pisgah Inn 3.) MST- sec.11-13, 221, Linville to Blowing Rock. I focused on areas off the AT, because of the crowd factor during that time period. I'm open to any ideas north of GSMNP or VA?
Throughout the Pisgah area, can I set up a tent anywhere? How about on a cliff by Looking Glass,etc? I'm looking for photographic campsite/tent shots. Your ideas are appreciated.

[johnnybgood]

Grayson Highlands of southern Virginia would be a great week of photographing wild ponies and views from balds in early April.

[gonehikn]

I have taken some great photos in the Roan Highlands area, one of my favorite places. The Cumberland Gap area has some great hiking and photo ops too.

[LostandFound]

Thank you. I will def look into those areas. I have changed my plans so many times, but at least I'm educating myself in the process.

[Chaco Taco]

Hpt Springs to 19E

[bigcranky]

Just remember that it's still winter in late March and early April. Trees are bare, grass is brown, etc., and you'll need gear and clothing for that.

+1 for Grayson Highlands area for photos. Bald ridgelines, wild horses, good views. A very slow hike with a lot of photos might go from Fox Creek trailhead south to Damascus, which is around 40 miles I think, with several days of wandering in the Highlands area. If you end up going there I can recommend some places to camp that would have good photo possibilities.

Some photos of the NC/TN trail in March:

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=12145&catid=member&imageuser=266

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=10925&catid=member&imageuser=266

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=10920&catid=member&imageuser=266