The first colorblind scenic viewers designed to alleviate red-green color deficiency were introduced right here in Tennessee. As the first state to implement this technology across public lands, Tennessee's colorblind viewfinders unveil fall colors for the colorblind
Tennessee has 15 viewfinders equipped with specialized EnChroma lenses engineered to help visitors with red-green color deficiency. Here are some of the top spots to stop and soak in the colors:
- Radnor Lake State Park (Nashville): Find the colorblind viewfinder on the Lake Trail.
- The Lodge at Montgomery Bell (Burns): Positioned on the lakefront patio overlooking Lake Acorn.
- Paris Landing State Park (Buchanan): Panoramic water views along the western shore of Kentucky Lake.
- Fiery Gizzard State Park (Monteagle): Panoramic overlook vistas across Laurel Gulf and surrounding forest gorges.
- Ober Mountain (Gatlinburg): High-altitude views over the Great Smoky Mountains accessible via aerial tramway.
- Fall Creek Falls State Park (Spencer): Breathtaking Millikin's Overlook views across the gorge system.
- Cherohala Skyway (Tellico Plains): High-elevation Turkey Creek Overlook along a scenic national byway.
Where are the Colorblind Viewfinders in West Tennessee?
Chickasaw State Park - Henderson
Chickasaw State Park, (20 Cabin Ln., Henderson, TN 38340) sits on some of the highest terrain in West Tennessee.
Things to know before visiting the colorblind viewfinder at Chickasaw State Park:
- Viewfinder Location: Situated at the main scenic overlook deck overlooking Lake Placid.
- Parking Availability: Paved parking is available near 20 Cabin Ln.
- ADA Accessibility: Paved, flat walkway leads directly from parking to the viewing platform.
- Park Hours & Access: Open daily from 7:00 AM until sunset; free admission.
Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park - Millington
Located at 910 Riddick Rd., Millington, TN 38053 along the Mississippi River, Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, 12,539-acre park features towering hardwoods and varied
Important information to know before visiting the colorblind viewfinder at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park:
- Viewfinder Location: Located at the main bluff overlook deck facing the Mississippi River basin.
- Parking Availability: Paved parking lot adjacent to 910 Riddick Rd.
- ADA Accessibility: Fully paved path and boardwalk lead from the parking area to the viewfinder deck.
- Park Hours & Access: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM; free entry.
Paris Landing State Park - Buchanan
Situated at 16055 Hwy 79 N, Buchanan, TN 38222 on the western shore of Kentucky Lake, Paris Landing State Park is a premier water sports and outdoor destination.
Things to know before going to Paris Landing State Park's colorblind viewfinder:
- Viewfinder Location: Positioned along the scenic lakefront boardwalk near the main park lodge and marina.
- Parking Availability: Ample paved parking located directly at 16055 Hwy 79 N.
- ADA Accessibility: Accessible via smooth, paved waterfront paths with accessible parking nearby.
- Park Hours & Access: Open 24 hours daily; free park entry.
Accessible Scenic Views in Middle Tennessee
Radnor Lake State Park - Nashville
Located at 1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220, Radnor Lake State Park is a 1,368-acre protected natural area known for wildlife viewing and quiet hiking trails and for being one of the state's most accessible parks.
What to know before going to the colorblind viewfinder at Radnor Lake State Park:
- Viewfinder Location: Situated along the Lake Trail deck; notably Tennessee's first fully ADA-accessible colorblind viewfinder location.
- Parking Availability: Park at the West Lot near the Visitor Center (1160 Otter Creek Rd).
- ADA Accessibility: Fully accessible via the paved Lake Trail, with all-terrain wheelchairs available by reservation.
- Park Hours & Access: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 20 minutes after sunset; free entry.
Fall Creek Falls State Park - Spencer
Photo Credit: @erinpennington
Located at 2009 Village Camp Rd., Spencer, TN 38585, Fall Creek Falls State Park spans over 20,000 acres across the rugged Cumberland Plateau.
Important information before visiting the colorblind viewfinder at Fall Creek Falls State Park
- Viewfinder Location: Positioned at Millikin's Overlook (2009 Village Camp Rd.), providing panoramic gorge views.
- Parking Availability: Dedicated paved parking lot adjacent to the overlook trailhead.
- ADA Accessibility: Paved, gently sloped walkway leading directly to the observation platform.
- Park Hours & Access: Open 24 hours; public overlook open daylight hours; free admission.
Standing Stone State Park - Hilham
Located at 1674 Standing Stone Park Hwy., Hilham, TN 38568, Standing Stone State Park covers nearly 11,000 acres of rustic forest centered around Standing Stone Lake.
What you should know before going to Standing Stone State Park's colorblind viewfinder:
- Viewfinder Location: Positioned on the outdoor viewing patio at the historic Tea Room overlooking the lake.
- Parking Availability: Paved parking lot located directly adjacent to 1674 Standing Stone Park Hwy.
- ADA Accessibility: Flat, paved patio surface accessible directly from designated handicap parking spaces.
- Park Hours & Access: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM; free entry.
Lodge at Montgomery Bell - Burns
Situated at 1000 Hotel Avenue, Burns, TN 37029 inside Montgomery Bell State Park, this resort lodge offers peaceful views of Lake Acorn.
Important information to know before going to the viewfinder at The Lodge at Montgomery Bell:
- Viewfinder Location: Located on the outdoor lounge patio behind The Lodge at 1000 Hotel Avenue overlooking Lake Acorn.
- Parking Availability: Extensive paved parking available directly in front of the lodge.
- ADA Accessibility: Fully ADA compliant with barrier-free, paved access from the hotel lobby to the patio deck.
- Park Hours & Access: Open year-round; free public access to patio viewing areas.
Best Colorblind Viewfinders in East Tennessee
Ober Mountain Adventure Park & Ski Area - Gatlinburg
Photo Credit: Tennessee Tourism
Located at 1001 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, Ober Mountain provides 360-degree views of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Things to know before going to Ober Mountain's colorblind viewfinder:
- Viewfinder Location: Upper mountain observation platform at the top terminal of the Aerial Tramway.
- Parking Availability: Paid parking lot available at 1001 Parkway in downtown Gatlinburg.
- ADA Accessibility: Aerial Tramway and upper mountain station are fully wheelchair accessible.
- Park Hours & Access: Hours vary seasonally; attraction admission/tramway ticket required.
I-26 Westbound Scenic Overlook - Erwin
Located at 100 Fiddlers Ln, Erwin, TN 37650 along Interstate 26, this lookout point on I-26 offers sweeping views of Unicoi County’s ridges.
Things to know before going to I-26 Welcome Center Erwin/Unicoi County viewfinder:
- Viewfinder Location: Positioned on the pedestrian observation plaza at 100 Fiddlers Ln.
- Parking Availability: Free rest area and welcome center parking lot.
- ADA Accessibility: Flat, paved sidewalk connecting designated accessible parking spaces to the plaza.
- Park Hours & Access: Welcome Center grounds open 24/7; free public access.
Highway 111 Sequatchie Valley Scenic Overlook - Dunlap
Perched along TN-111 (TN-111 Sequatchie Overlook, Dunlap, TN 37327), this Highway 111 pull-off overlooks the 116-mile-long Sequatchie Valley.
What you should know before going to the viewfinder at the TN-111 Sequatchie Valley Overlook:
- Viewfinder Location: Installed at the edge of the paved highway turnout platform.
- Parking Availability: Paved pull-off parking area directly adjacent to the overlook platform.
- ADA Accessibility: Street-level paved concrete viewing area with step-free access.
- Park Hours & Access: Open 24/7; daylight viewing recommended; free access.
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area - Oneida
Located at 4564 Leatherwood Rd., Oneida, TN 37841, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area encompasses 125,000 acres of dramatic sandstone bluffs and river gorges.
Things to know before going to Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area's colorblind viewfinder:
- Viewfinder Location: Positioned at the East Rim Overlook platform.
- Parking Availability: Paved parking lot located at 4564 Leatherwood Rd.
- ADA Accessibility: Paved, barrier-free walkway leading from parking to the viewing platform.
- Park Hours & Access: Open 24/7 year-round; free public access.
Ruby Falls/Lookout Mountain - Chattanooga
Photo Credit: Ruby Falls
Located at 1720 S. Scenic Hwy., Chattanooga, TN 37409 on Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls features historic tower views of Chattanooga and the Tennessee River.
Important information to know before going to the colorblind viewfinder at Ruby Falls/Lookout Mountain Overlook:
- Viewfinder Location: Situated at the Blue Heron Overlook deck atop Lookout Mountain.
- Parking Availability: Dedicated paved parking lot at 1720 S. Scenic Hwy.
- ADA Accessibility: Elevator and ramp access deliver guests directly to the observation deck.
- Park Hours & Access: Open daily 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; admission fee or reservation required.
Fiery Gizzard State Park - Monteagle
Photo Credit: Andrew Saucier
Fiery Gizzard State Park features dramatic sandstone bluffs, deep gorges, and wilderness vistas along the Cumberland Plateau.
What you should know before going to Fiery Gizzard State Park:
- Viewfinder Location: Installed at the Laurel Gulf Overlook deck.
- Parking Availability: Parking available at the Grundy Forest Day Loop trailhead lot.
- ADA Accessibility: Accessible via a short, firm pathway leading directly to the overlook viewing platform.
- Park Hours & Access: Open daily from 7:00 AM until sunset; free park entry.
Veterans Overlook/Clinch Mountain - Bean Station
Located on US-25E (US-25E Scenic Overlook, Bean Station, TN 37708),Veterans Overlook at Clinch Mountain is dedicated to U.S. military veterans.
Things to know before going to the viewfinder at Veterans Overlook at Clinch Mountain:
- Viewfinder Location: Positioned at the central stone plaza adjacent to the Veterans Memorial.
- Parking Availability: Paved highway overlook parking area directly behind the plaza.
- ADA Accessibility: Fully paved, step-free pedestrian walkway and memorial plaza.
- Park Hours & Access: Open 24/7; free public access.
Cherohala Skyway, Turkey Creek Overlook - Tellico Plains
Photo Credit: @visitmonroetn
Located along TN-165 (Cherohala Skyway Scenic Overlook, Tellico Plains, TN 37385), Cherohala Skyway National Scenic Byway reaches high mountain crests.
Things to know before going to the viewfinder at Turkey Creek Overlook - Cherohala Skyway:
- Viewfinder Location: Located at Turkey Creek Overlook on TN-165.
- Parking Availability: Paved roadside overlook turnout with parking spaces.
- ADA Accessibility: Flat, paved surface allowing full visibility directly from the parking perimeter.
- Park Hours & Access: Open 24/7 year-round (subject to winter weather closures); free access.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee's Colorblind Viewers
How do colorblind viewfinders work?
Tennessee colorblind viewfinders are equipped with optical EnChroma® lenses specially developed to filter light wavelengths. Red-green color deficiency occurs when the light sensitivity of red and green cone cells in the eye overlaps too closely. The specialized glass selectively filters out overlapping wavelengths of light, allowing red and green light signals to enter the eye with distinct separation. This enables individuals with deuteranomaly or protanomaly to perceive vibrant reds, bright greens, orange hues, and subtle autumn gradations that normally appear dull or washed out.
Are the colorblind viewfinders free to use?
Yes, all EnChroma viewfinders located within Tennessee State Parks (such as Radnor Lake, Fall Creek Falls, Paris Landing, Fiery Gizzard, and Standing Stone) and at highway scenic overlooks (including Cherohala Skyway, I-26, Veterans Overlook, and Highway 111) are 100% free to use with public park access. For commercial attractions like Ober Mountain or Ruby Falls, the viewfinders themselves require no coin operation, though standard attraction admission fees apply.
Which Tennessee parks have wheelchair-accessible viewfinders?
Several state parks (to learn more about Tennessee State Parks accessible activities, visit the state parks accessibility page) and scenic overlooks offer complete ADA accessibility directly to the viewfinder deck:
- Radnor Lake State Park: Features a fully paved Lake Trail constructed for complete wheelchair access and offers all-terrain wheelchairs upon request.
- The Lodge at Montgomery Bell: Fully accessible via paved pathways directly from hotel parking to the outdoor patio overlooking Lake Acorn.
- Fiery Gizzard State Park: Accessible short pathway connecting parking directly to the Laurel Gulf Overlook platform.
- Paris Landing State Park: Offers flat boardwalk and paved shoreline trail access.
- Ober Mountain: Wheelchair accessible via the indoor Aerial Tramway to a flat observation deck.
- Ruby Falls Blue Heron Overlook: Accessible via elevator and ramp pathways.