Smoky Mtn Nat Park camping advice for photogs

(How can a person do a bourbon tour and then expect to do any good with photography?)

–B.G.–

Bourbon has been known to help an artist or two

They might enjoy a trip to Cataloochee.The elk viewing is amazing.For non hikers/photographers,it is a great stop.I try to stop by for a look whenever I hike in the park.

Alan, thanks very much, any other suggestions including some hiking, and any suggestions for best car camping areas?

I don't know the area that well, since it's been a long time since I was out there. But here are some spots that I remember:
Tremont
It's not far from Cade's Cove, and you can hike a good distance up the river, which is quite scenic, and there are lots of waterfalls around.

Clingman's Dome
There are several hikes there, though solitude might be a bit of a problem.
Gorgeous views — the best place in the park bar none to get the classic Smoky Mountains look. We went up there at dawn + three times at dusk, and got stormed out every time. Don't hang out there during a thunderstorm.

Foothills Overlook
Sunrise.

Roaring Fork
Beautiful cascades. Not sure about hiking opportunities.

Grotto Falls
Worth a visit. Around 1 mile each way, IIRC. (There's a picture of the falls in my Large Format gallery)

Greenbriar
Lots of hiking opportunities, and lots of cascades. There's a shot from there in my LF gallery also.

For more inspiration, look here:
http://www.dannyburk.com/great_smoky_mountain_landscapes.htm
Danny does a lot of photography out there. He's the one that introduced me to most of those locations during a workshop :)

I hope that helps!

Sorry I don't have much advice to offer about where to car-camp, but hopefully someone else who knows that area better than I do does :)

Dayhikes with pics

Newfound Gap to Charlie's Bunion – Charlie's Bunion is a great spot for pics

Alum Gap Trail to LeConte – Most popular (crowded) trail in the park, but for good reason. LeConte has great sunrise (Myrtle Point) and sunset (Cliff Tops) views.

Gregory Ridge Trail to Gregory Bald – Gregory Bald is a great spot, especially in mid to late June when the azaleas bloom.

Mt. Cammerer Fire Lookout(from Cosby or Big Creek) has great views and is a neat picture perfect fire lookout

Cades Cove and Cataloochie provide great car side wildlife viewing, but they are crowded.

I would also add Shuckstack to the list of views. Just a couple miles from Fontana Lake on the AT.

Fantastic suggestions, I told Dave you'd have great ideas. He'll have to share some of the pics here. Any car camping location suggestions?

I figure there will be plenty car camping sites throughout the park, but some are probably better than others in terms of quiet, proximity to the nicest hiking trails, etc.

I think the Smokies has a ranger station (IIRC there's one in Cade's Cove), they'd be able to give you all sorts of advice.
And don't forget this:
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/frontcountry-camping.htm

IIRC Greenbriar was quiet. We didn't encounter many people there who weren't in the workshop. Since it was part of a workshop, we didn't end up wandering all that far, but there are a LOT of photo opportunities within a 15-minute walk from where the road ends.

And now that I think about it, there might even be a campground at Cosby, which is close to Greenbriar:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Tamerlin/SpringSmokies#5001921687866376210
I suppose I should re-scan that slide so that I can upload it to my web site. :)