SALE CREEK, TN (WDEF) – McDonald Farm, a historic property spanning more than 1,300 acres in Hamilton County, is set to become Tennessee’s 70th state park.
The plan includes roughly $45.3 million in state investment to develop the park, preserve natural areas, and provide recreational opportunities.
Planned amenities include trails, a visitor center, and camping, and the park will connect to the Cumberland Trail, a long-distance trail corridor linking multiple greenways in the region.
Local conservation leaders are part of the conversation around the farm’s future.
Jim Stewart, executive director of the Chattanooga Audubon Society, which maintains 500 acres of nature sanctuaries in Hamilton County, also serves on the McDonald Farm Citizens Advisory Group.
In both roles, Stewart has been involved in discussions about how to preserve the farm’s green space, connect it to local trails, and balance recreational access with habitat protection, making him a key voice in the community conversation surrounding the new state park.
The Chattanooga Audubon Society manages several nature sanctuaries in Hamilton County, including Audubon Mountain, Audubon Acres, and Maclellan Island, emphasizing habitat protection and public access to natural areas.
McDonald Farm’s path to state park status comes after years of discussion about land use, including debates over potential industrial or mixed development and community input through advisory groups and public meetings.
The process reflects a broader effort to balance green space preservation with regional planning and economic development
