Georgia’s state parks introduced EnChroma glasses for visitors with red-green color vision deficiencies, offering a new way to experience the vibrant hues of fall. These specially designed glasses are now available at three of the state’s popular parks: Cloudland Canyon, Sweetwater Creek, and Skidaway Island.
The initiative comes as part of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Outdoors Beyond Barriers program, aimed at enhancing park accessibility and aligning with broader efforts to make outdoor spaces more inclusive for all visitors.
With autumn foliage in full display, this new feature allows individuals who are colorblind to witness vivid fall colors, often missed due to red-green deficiencies. These glasses are made available free of charge through GaStateParks.org/accessibility, marking Georgia as one of the few states to offer such an inclusive experience at multiple locations. An estimated 607,000 of the 14.3 million annual visitors to Georgia’s state parks could benefit, given the prevalence of red-green colorblindness among visitors and residents.
According to a press release, colorblindness impacts roughly 8% of men and 0.5% of women, affecting over 480,000 individuals in Georgia alone, according to estimates. By addressing the needs of this group, the EnChroma glasses initiative aligns with the state’s goals of creating more inclusive public spaces.
The glasses are available at Cloudland Canyon, one of Georgia’s most scenic parks known for its sandstone cliffs and panoramic views. This site, located in Dade County, is a popular destination for observing the region’s seasonal color changes.
At Sweetwater Creek State Park, located near Atlanta in Douglas County, visitors can enjoy well-marked trails that offer a unique perspective on autumn colors through mid-November. This park provides an immersive fall experience.
Skidaway Island State Park, a coastal site in Chatham County, also offers a distinct perspective with its Spanish moss-draped oaks and tidal marshes.
In addition to the three parks with EnChroma glasses, Amicalola Falls State Park in Dawson County has installed SeeCoast viewers equipped with EnChroma technology.
The EnChroma glasses reflect a broader commitment within the Outdoors Beyond Barriers program to make outdoor environments accessible. This program includes other enhancements, such as all-terrain wheelchairs, accessible campsites, and adaptive kayak launches, ensuring that individuals with various physical challenges can access and enjoy Georgia’s natural landscapes.
