Uncontrolled Airspace, Unrestricted Adventure: Luxury Fly-in Resort Planned for East Tennessee

Nestled in the Sequatchie Valley, it’s a long and nearly perfect valley that can be seen from outer space. It is located just 30 miles from metro Chattanooga (including a major regional shopping area known as Hixson) and 90 miles south of Nashville.  

The Fields at Fall Creek will span 1,500 acres of breathtaking landscape, from lush meadows and forests to rolling hills and mountain views. 

When complete, it will be home to 800 residential homes, 180 vacation villa rentals, 35 hangars, an outdoor adventure center, and, of course, its own paved runway.  

It is a project of FLYING, which started out to develop a headquarters and media center located at an airfield. 

“When we acquired FLYING, we wanted to build a headquarters and media center connected to an airport. After talking to a number of the municipal airports around the area, we came up short and realized that the process would be bureaucratic and slow,” stated Craig Fuller, CEO of FLYING. 

“We realized we would have to build our own airfield.” 

“I have always loved flying through the Sequatchie Valley. There is something magical flying through the valley and looking off both sides of the airplane and seeing the cliffs of the Cumberland Plateau and Walden Ridge. We found a very large undeveloped family farm in the Sequatchie Valley that reminded me of Black Berry Farms, a world-renowned luxury resort located in East Tennessee. We realized this could become something much bigger—a luxury fly-in resort and residential community that provides intimate experiences and outdoor adventures.” 

So in 2021, FLYING began studying a more ambitious plan—one that would create the world’s finest fly-in luxury resort and residential community. 

Initially, the development plans to cater to the piston pilot, with an emphasis on adventure and pleasure flying. The airport will be a privately owned 3,000-foot runway, which will accommodate pistons and many twin turbo airplanes. As the development builds, there will be plans to expand the runway to accommodate larger and more powerful aircraft.  

Hangars will connect directly to taxiways and allow for residents to park their airplanes in their homes. The development hopes to create a powerful pilot and avgeek community, with activities focused in and around the airfield. 

“Being associated with FLYING will enable us to attract not only pilots, but also the broader aviation community, manufacturers, and suppliers that make aviation so impactful to the lives of pilots. We have been laying the groundwork with a number of manufacturers and suppliers to get them involved and active in the development of The Fields community.” 

The Fields is located in Bledsoe County, a 215-year-old community that its nearly 15,000 residents have called home for generations. It’s where cows outnumber people and historic churches dot the main highway. And it’s where fall trees look ablaze in reds, yellows, and oranges when the sun sets over the valley.

For the uninitiated, it’s a place like no other. And The Fields aims to preserve that charm.

The high-end luxury homes in this fly-in community will feature a modern farm-style aesthetic to reflect and honor the traditions of the area in which it is located.

The initial phase will develop 106 homes with hangars ranging from 2,000 square feet to 4,000 square feet, all with direct runway access. 

During this time, the airfield, community center, pool, playground, and nearby light retail and commercial properties will also be developed. There are plans for a high-end craft farm-to-table restaurant and grocery store. 

Over time, the development is expected to host a number of renowned restaurants, a vineyard and winery, and a resort spa. 

Plans eventually call for more than 400 estate-style homes in the valley with an additional 200 homes that will enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the valley. 

“Imagine having a brow home that is a 1,000-foot AGL and overlooking the runway down below on your back porch. You will be able to see airplanes take off and land. It will be an aviator’s dream,” Fuller said.

But whether on the mountain or down below, residents will likely not be disappointed by the stunning landscape.

While The Fields is in a rural area, developers have been working with local providers to ensure the community operates as any suburban neighborhood—but without the hassle of traffic.

Residents will enjoy some of the fastest internet speeds in the world with the benefit of being located next to Chattanooga, a city that holds the distinction of being known as “Gig City.” 

Additionally, Tennessee has no state income tax or capital gains tax. Bledsoe County itself has one of the lowest tax rates in Tennessee, and therefore, the country. 

It’s perfect for the business professional or entrepreneur who can live anywhere in the world and is seeking a low-tax, business friendly community, and who also wants to take advantage of an on-site runway and adventure resort lifestyle. 

It is also ideal for the professional who is looking for a second home or weekend getaway, perhaps for a pilot seeking open skies and unobstructed views of one of the most beautiful areas of the country. 

The Fields is also located in class-G uncontrolled airspace and is the only paved airport within 30 miles. This eliminates the hassles of dealing with air traffic control or congestion. 

The Fields is so expansive—larger than Central Park—that it can host a number of special interest areas to create a more inclusive development that will appeal to more than just the pilot in the family. 

“We’ve looked at master planned resort developments around the country and the thing that drives success is having a variety of things to do that appeal to a broad set of interests. Pilots will be excited to keep their airplanes in their attached hangar, but spouses and children will look for other things to do. We plan on providing many of those activities, right on property,” Fuller stated.  

The development takes advantage of the myriad natural features that make this area of the country a destination for outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. And as part of the plan, several hundreds acres at The Fields will be turned into conservation easement and reserved for outdoor activities. 

The property itself offers spectacular hiking, both low-impact and more challenging, with scenic brows overlooking the valley below. 

It is also a short distance from Fall Creek Falls, which is home to one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States. But Fall Creek Falls is just one of hundreds of hiking trails within a short driving distance. In fact, those with a more adventurous spirit can take a quick hop over to North Carolina and hike the Appalachian Trail, which traverses more than 2,000 miles up the eastern United States.

The area has some of the most profound rock climbing in the world. In fact, the region has more miles of climbing walls than the region surrounding Boulder, Colorado. 

Long-term plans include developing an equestrian center with boarding and trails. 

Parts of the rear section of the property aren’t ideal for homes but have some topographic features where plans call for a luxury 4x4 adventure park for residents. Weekend visitors will also be able to rent off-road vehicles while visiting. 

For the hunter or fisherman, it’s also a sportsman's dream. 

The state has more than 500,000 acres of lakes, and Dayton, Tennessee—less than 40 minutes away—claims the best bass fishing in Tennessee. And big and small game and waterfowl are abundant. 

For residents looking for other ways to connect with nature, The Fields will offer plenty of diversions, including mountain biking, rope courses, kayaking, off-road adventuring, and boating. 

And for the aviation enthusiast itching for a new way to fly, The Fields’ outdoor adventure center can arrange paragliding or hang gliding activities. The Chattanooga area is, in fact, considered a top international destination for both.  

Visit www.FlyTheFields.com. Construction will commence in the spring and home sites are available for presale. First residents are expected in early 2023.