Natural Tunnel State Park recently unveiled its new EnChroma viewfinder to the public, the first of its kind to be installed in Virginia. The viewfinder, made by SeeCoast Manufacturing, is equipped with special lenses from EnChroma designed to help those with red-green Color Vision Deficiency (CVD) experience colors.

Chief Ranger of Visitor Experience Ethan Howes, who is colorblind, spearheaded the initiative to purchase the viewer. It was installed at the park’s gazebo, which overlooks Rye Cove and provides a stunning 360-degree view.

“Natural Tunnel State Park is proud to be the first location in Virginia to offer accommodations for red-green colorblind guests,” said Howes. “This viewer will allow park visitors with red-green colorblindness to more fully experience the splendors nature has to offer. Being colorblind, I am looking forward to seeing the colorful fall foliage this year.”

Ethan Howes looking through viewfinder for first time

Colorblindness affects one in 12 men and one in 200 women: 350 million people worldwide, 13 million in the U.S. and roughly 366,000 in Virginia. While people with normal color vision see over one million shades of color, those with CVD only see an estimated 10% of hues and shades. Common color confusions include green appearing yellow, tan or gray; pink looking gray; purple like blue; and red viewed as brown.

EnChroma Color Comparison

The cutting-edge EnChroma technology — in use at nearly 40 state and national park locations in 16 states — is available at Natural Tunnel State Park year-round. The experience of looking through the viewfinders for a person who is colorblind can vary. Typically, they see a broader array and greater vibrancy of colors immediately or within seconds. Some visitors have a more dramatic experience, depending on the severity of their CVD.

“Natural Tunnel State Park bursts with colorful foliage that a sizable percent of the population cannot appreciate because they’re color vision deficient,” said Erik Ritchie, CEO of EnChroma. “We applaud the park for being a leader in promoting accessibility to this wonderful, color experience for colorblind visitors, and hope their example will inspire other parks in Virginia, and the nation, to follow suit.”

Guest Experience

To celebrate the EnChroma viewfinder installation, Ranger Howes joined three colorblind guests as they experienced seeing Natural Tunnel’s beautiful scenery in color for the first time. Here’s what they said:

Brian Brown, Nickelsville, VA

“I’m just kind of taken back. When I look out there, I see two different shades that I know in my mind are green. Then I look through the viewfinder, and it’s a fountain of colors.”

Brian Brown's reaction after looking through viewfinder

Josh Fowler, Roanoke, VA

“I can’t get over it. I’m not used to all these colors. It’s a night-and-day difference looking through the viewfinder.”

Josh Fowler looking through viewfinder for first time

Murphy Mullins, Erwin, TN

“Wow, it’s like somebody took a highlighter to the world.”

Murphy Mullins looking through viewfinder for first time

Guests are invited to look through the viewfinder year-round. It's located at the park's gazebo, which requires a 0.37-mile walk along a well-maintained service road. Guests who need accommodations can stop by the park office for drivable access to the service road.