So is it just a little 1.6 mile section that's like that, or is it a 16 mile section and just a little 1 mile section with absolutely nothing built? I've checked the maps for the decade I've been keeping up with that area, but they don't give a good definition of what 'Under Construction" means.

I guess what I'm asking is, would it be sweet to take a bike and ride this thing?

Yes, it is ideal for for cycling. It is almost a solid 16 mile stretch with nothing on it and a unfinished section near Townsend. You just got to watch out for the horseshit that you don't ride or step in it. =) It would be great to bike and camp on.

Hmm....camping..interesting. Is it National Park or National Forest land? Or just hobo it out and stake my claim where I feel the urge, consequences and the law be damned?

It's not patrolled so hoboing it would be the ticket.

Good to know. Just figured I would ask since the NPS/NFS stuff is nuts. As in, if you want to hike and camp in the Smokies you have to get permits and wait for a spot (something funny about that, lemme tell ya) whereas in the National Forest you can just wander around wherever and pitch a tent and go at it.

Would make sense that the Foothills is neither, since it's a TN initiative. It is surprising that this road has never been finished, but then you look at Blue Ridge that took 50 odd years as a federal project and its not too surprising. Also, the Natchez Trace was just completed this year, havnig been started in 39.

I did notice that there have been new bridge contracts awarded for the section though, so perhaps it will be completed before my hair falls out .