Gearing up for 25 years of tubing and whitewater rafting adventure, Smoky Mountain River Rat owners Shannon and Shannan Skidmore reflect on their time in Townsend, Tennessee and the Little River. “The Shannons” wouldn’t want to be anywhere else as they offer tourists, adventure travelers, tour groups and Blount County residents a memory-making summer experience.
In 2009, Smoky Mountain River Rat became a family-owned business when Shannan’s sister and husband joined the team. Jennifer and Wayne Duerer round out the ownership team.
Smoky Mountain River Rat has come a long way in the last 25 years. It started with 50 tubes, a 20-by-20 building and an old 1976 Chevrolet van in the summer of 1995. The Skidmores have since expanded the business by moving locations, acquiring a whitewater rafting company and offering additional river activities.
Despite having an adventure for every type of thrill seeker, the original tubing experience still receives the most business. At $15 for an all-day adult pass, guests are allowed an unlimited number of floats down two outpost options.
The Skidmores count themselves lucky to be Blount County natives and credit locals, who were the main patrons of the tubing company before it became a tourism hotspot. Located at the foothills of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, River Rat continues to experience fast growth from the tourism industry.
“The Little River is an asset to Blount County. The river is spring-fed so the water is constantly changing and providing a different experience with each trip” said co-owner Shannan Skidmore. “It’s hard to find a perfect river, but this is it.”
In 2017, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park welcomed 11.34 million guests, making it the most visited national park in the country. Shannan Skidmore believes the abundance of outdoor activities draws adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts from all walks of life.
“We try to bring something new every season,” said Shannan. “This year we’ve added private riverside cabanas for rent. The cabins offer the perfect hangout during a hot summer day and help set our tubing business apart.”
To book a Great Smoky River Rat tubing or whitewater rafting adventure, visit their website online at smokymtnriverrat.com.