McDonald, TN, is a small rural community located in Bradley County in southeastern Tennessee. This quiet unincorporated area offers residents a peaceful country setting with open farmland, wooded properties, and a relaxed atmosphere that appeals to those seeking space and tranquility away from suburban development. McDonald attracts families and individuals who value affordable land, agricultural opportunities, and a close-knit rural lifestyle while remaining within a reasonable commute of Cleveland and Chattanooga’s employment centers and amenities.
Residents of McDonald can enjoy outdoor recreation at Cherokee National Forest, a vast wilderness area just a short drive to the east offering hundreds of miles of hiking trails, scenic rivers, fishing streams, and camping facilities nestled in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. For everyday shopping, dining, and essential services, the city of Cleveland is nearby and serves as the county seat with grocery stores, restaurants, healthcare facilities, and a variety of retail options along the Paul Huff Parkway corridor. Students in McDonald attend Bradley County Schools, a district committed to academic excellence, career readiness programs, and providing students with opportunities to succeed through strong athletics and extracurricular activities. Fishing and boating enthusiasts frequently visit Parksville Lake, also known as Lake Ocoee, a stunning mountain reservoir offering crystal-clear waters, scenic shorelines, and access to the famous Ocoee River whitewater rafting area. With its serene rural character, affordable acreage suitable for farming or homesteading, proximity to mountain recreation, quality schools, and convenient access to Cleveland’s urban amenities, McDonald provides an ideal setting for those drawn to authentic country living in the foothills of southeastern Tennessee.