After years of debate, Hamilton County leaders have landed on a clear vision for McDonald Farm: preserve and turn it into a state park. Under a proposal backed by Bill Lee, more than $45 million would transform 1,300 acres in Sale Creek into Tennessee’s 70th state park which will create a new hub for the southern stretch of the Cumberland Trail. Plans include new hiking trails, a visitor center, and a possible RV campground, all designed to strengthen outdoor recreation in East Tennessee while protecting the farm’s rural character and history.

The project is expected to bring 70 jobs and an estimated $11 million in annual economic impact to Hamilton and Rhea counties. The former would still retain roughly 800 acres, including land for the county fair and a smaller county park, while the state develops the remaining acreage for public use. The proposal still requires approval from the Hamilton County Commission and state lawmakers, but if it moves forward, the park could open within three years, marking a major milestone for conservation, tourism, and community-led planning in the Chattanooga area.