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Hours of Operation

Open
10:00 am

Last Trip in River
5:00 pm

7 Days/Week
May - September

Tubing in the Great Smoky Mountains

Tubing in the Smokies is only minutes from Pigeon Forge in Townsend (TN).  Tube the Little River on the colorful sturdy river tubes.  We offer unlimited shuttle services to make your day on the Little River fun and relaxing.  Tubing in the Smokies has never been so easy.  We are 15 miles from Pigeon Forge and only 9 miles from Cades Cove, you are relaxing on the Little River, tubing in Townsend (TN) on the beautiful Little River while enjoying the peaceful  Smoky Mountains.

Smoky Mountain River Rat History Tubing in the Smokies at Smoky Mountain River Rat began in 1995.  Shannon Skidmore and his soon to-be-wife, Shannan had just graduated from East Tennessee State University.  Smoky Mountain River Rat had its name, a leased 20 x 20 building, an old ’76 Chevy Van, and 50 tubes, but no one to operate it!  “The Shannons” opened it with only 6 weeks left in the summer.  After completing the short season, they had fallen in love with  Smoky Mountain River Rat, asked the owner if they could purchase the equipment and his lease on the building.  He said “yes” and so did the banker.

The seasonal business would work perfect for the couple.  Mr. Shannon would work construction, building local Smoky Mountain cabins, while Mrs. Shannan taught school in nearby Sevierville, just outside of Pigeon Forge.  For the first couple of years Mrs. Shannan ran Smoky Mountain River Rat during the week and Mr. Shannon continued building cabins which was far better than life behind a desk.

Soon the Shannons were both at the River Rat 7 days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  At season’s end, Mr. Shannon was back to construction and Mrs. Shannan to her third grade students.

In Spring of 2000, the River Rat lost its lease on the original site.  Five years of long hours, hot summer days and great clientele was feared all “down river.” The Shannons moved their now 500-tubes, 2 vans and 20 kayaks to their newly leased 16 x 16 tubing shack!  Quickly, they had to find a bigger place before the season began.  They picked a spot that was not even for sale, asked to purchase, the owners said yes and by the grace of God, so did the banker.

Smoky Mountain River Rat now had its very own property!!  Mr. Shannon built the new 40 x 60 building in 6 weeks and together, they had the building ready by July 4^th of 2000 the same week 5 years ago, they had begun.  The great clientele continued to follow, the Smoky Mountain River Rat continued to grow and things all worked out for the best.

In 2005, Smoky Mountain River Rat opened an additional store not far up river from the original 1995 outpost!  The new outpost is called “Cedar Bluff” for the mountain that towers behind it.

For the 2008 season, you will still find the Shannons daily at the Rat.  Mrs. Shannan left behind her teaching career in 2001 to be a mom to Emily Kate (7) and Joseph (5).  Mr. Shannon still holds onto his contracting license. Old Faithful, the 76 Chevy has since retired.

There is never a dull moment with the Shannons.  They continue to work together, loving what they do, providing the best service to their faithful customers. 

Please stop by the Smoky Mountain River Rat to experience a fun-filled day tubing the Little River.  Southern, family hospitality is what you will find.

205 Wears Valley Road      ●      Townsend, TN 37882      ●      (865) 448-8888