Color Blind Viewers Bring Fall to Life
September 21, 2020 | Permalink
Responding to popular demand, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and Tennessee State Parks have partnered to install “color blind” viewfinders at six (6) state park locations across the state. There is now a total of 13 viewers installed in Tennessee. A new website helps visitors find and enjoy these new devices.
Each of the color blind viewfinders are outfitted with innovative EnChroma® lenses designed to alleviate red-green color blindness. This ground-breaking spectral lens technology enables people with color blindness to see a broader range of clear, vibrant color. Read the full press release here.
The following state parks have a viewfinder installed:
1. Chickasaw State Park
Viewer Location: Across the lake opposite the boat dock | Open in Maps
Region: West
Situated on some of the highest terrain in West Tennessee, the park’s 1,280 acres has an abundance of breathtaking views.
2. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
Viewer Location: Poplar Lake (near the nature center) | Open In Maps
Region: West
Bordering the mighty Mississippi, this 13,467-acre state park has varying terrain and impeccable beauty.
3. Fall Creek Falls State Park
Location: Millikan’s Overlook | Open In Maps
Region: East
A paradise of more than 20,000 acres sprawled across the eastern top of the rugged Cumberland Plateau.
4. South Cumberland State Park
Location: Laurel Gulf Overlook | Open In Maps
Region: East
Atop the Cumberland Plateau, this state park protects 25,000 acres of land and has 90 miles of hiking trails.
5. Standing Stone State Park
Location: Tea Room | Open In Maps
Region: Middle
A rustic park covering nearly 11,000 acres on the Cumberland Plateau, noted for its outstanding scenery.
6. Radnor Lake State Park
Location: Lake Trail
Region: Middle
See the first ADA accessible colorblind viewfinder at Radnor Lake State Park in Nashville. The state park, located about 11 miles from downtown Nashville, is a 1,368-acre park with hiking trails and birding opportunities. See wildlife like otters, herons, owls and deer. It's a natural oasis that will make you feel worlds away from the bright lights and action of downtown Nashville. Parking is available at the West Lot near the Visitor Center. The Lake Trail is accessible to people with all-terrain wheelchairs and from the viewfinder you'll have a beautiful view of Radnor Lake.
Watch the Video
Images of color blind travelers experiencing the brilliant fall colors for the first time using specially equipped viewfinders at Tennessee’s Ober Gatlinburg made national news last year with an emotionally-charged video that captured men seeing color for the very first time.
Fall Color Destinations in Tennessee
There are many great spots to view the changing colors of fall in Tennessee State Parks. Check out this page to see some of our staff's recommendations.