The Fieldale Walking Trail is part of the Smith River Trails System so it is kept up very well. It runs along the banks of the Smith River and the trail head is just across the street from the city park and shorter trail, the Textile Heritage Trail (which is beautiful). I don't know enough to get technical but the surface looks like a natural path with some rocks. If it rains, it's packed down enough that the soles of your shoes might get dirty but you won't be trekking through mud. There are benches and birdhouses along the path and access points to the river for fishermen. This is a good river for brown trout. You are likely to pass residents out walking there dogs. I have never had any kind of concern for safety on this path. It seems beautiful and perfectly safe. read more