The first scenic viewers designed to help alleviate red-green color deficiency are right here in Tennessee. This cutting-edge technology not only allows people with red-green color deficiency to enjoy the beauty the state’s landscape year-round. Located in some of Tennessee’s most picturesque locations, visitors can experience nature’s spectacular colors.
Photo Credit:
@visitmonroetn
Experience Tennessee's vibrant colors
Helping more people enjoy the beauty of Tennessee.
October 22, 2021
Chickasaw State Park, named for the Chickasaw Native Americans who once inhabited West Tennessee, has 1,400 acres and is situated on some of the highest terrain in West Tennessee. More than four miles of easy to moderate hiking trails, paddling on the 54-acre lakes and bird watching are just some of the activities you can do in the park. The beauty of West Tennessee is on full display in this state park.
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park - Millington
Along the Mississippi River, Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park offers hiking trails, boating activities and pretty views with its varying terrain. More than 20 miles of trails throughout the 12,539-acre park are natural or paved ranging from easy to moderate. Tennessee's natural beauty is on display year-round at this state park.
Middle Tennessee Colorblind Viewfinders
Radnor Lake State Park - Nashville
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.
Fall Creek Falls State Park - Spencer
One of the largest state parks in Tennessee, Fall Creek Falls State Park is home to a number of waterfalls, hiking trails, rock climbing and even a canopy challenge course with more than 70 aerial obstacles like ladders, wobbly bridges, rope swings, cargo nets, balance beams and zip lines. Hidden gems in the park include waterfalls like Piney Falls, Cane Creek Falls and Cane Creek Cascades. Take in the beauty of this more than 20,000-acre park across the rugged Cumberland Plateau.
Standing Stone State Park - Hilham
This viewfinder is located at the Tea Room which boasts incredible views of Standing Stone Lake and the natural beauty around it. Spend the day exploring the rest of the park which welcomes birding, fishing and hiking. More than eight miles of day-use trails from easy to strenuous highlight the beautiful wooded areas and wildflowers, streams and more.
East Tennessee Colorblind Viewfinders
Ober Gatlinburg - Gatlinburg
Ober Gatlinburg provides some of the most awe-inspiring views of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, so hop on the aerial tram for a 360-degree view of thousands of acres of lush forests and picturesque mountain peaks in every direction. Thrill-seekers can watch the scenery whiz past on the ski mountain coaster, which takes riders down 2,750 feet of twists and turns through the forest. With numerous places to hike, camp and explore, there are endless ways to venture through the Smoky Mountains.
I-26 Westbound Scenic Overlook - Erwin
This lookout point on I-26 has incredible views of East Tennessee’s landscape. Pack up the car as this overlook is the perfect place to start a scenic road trip across Tennessee. Stop to stretch your legs and check out the stunning backdrop of hills and valleys dappled in color. From this vantage point, visitors can see miles and miles of peaks and valleys.
Highway 111 Sequatchie Valley Scenic Overlook - Dunlap
Take a scenic drive along Highway 111 and stop at the colorblind viewfinder to take in the valley and mountains that can be seen for miles. Whether in spring, summer or fall, the beauty of Tennessee is on full display at this pull-off point.
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area - Oneida
Become one with nature at the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, which spans 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau and offers scenic hiking, beautiful gorges and picturesque overlooks. In addition to the wide variety of hiking trails, the park also has places to bike, horseback ride and fish. Take a short jaunt to one of the scenic bluffs and see the Cumberland River running beneath you or venture up to the Twin Arches and look out onto the breathtaking landscape on top of the giant natural rock formations.
Ruby Falls/Lookout Mountain - Chattanooga
Climb up Ruby Falls' tower atop Lookout Mountain to see Chattanooga and the beautiful Tennessee River below as it snakes its way through the landscape. After taking in the view, make your way underground to see the tallest and deepest underground waterfall in the U.S.
South Cumberland State Park - Monteagle
Explore approximately 30,845 acres in nine separate areas of South Cumberland State Park. Spend a day rock climbing, fishing and hiking more than 90 miles of trails ranging from easy to strenuous. Make your way to the Laurel Gulf Overlook to peer through the color blindless viewfinder.
Veterans Overlook/Clinch Mountain - Bean Station
Veterans Overlook at Clinch Mountain is dedicated to all veterans who served in U.S. wars. A memorial can be found at this location. After you spend some quiet moments in reflection, stretch your legs and take in the gorgeous scenery that can be enjoyed from this vantage point. You'll see Cherokee Lake and the surrounding areas.
Cherohala Skyway, Turkey Creek Overlook - Tellico Plains
The National Scenic Byway is more than 40 miles long with plenty of stop-off points to take in the mountains and valleys that seem to stretch on forever. Hiking, kayaking and camping are just some of the activities located along the way. The viewfinder is located at the Turkey Creek Lookout, along the National Cherohala Scenic Byway. Take in the views at the 5,400-foot elevation.
We hope these scenic viewers will enable even more people to enjoy autumn in Tennessee. Take a look out our outdoor leisure page for more ideas on how to experience natural beauty throughout the state.
