If You DO Get Lost, Then What???

[Fiddler]

Here's the scenario: You somehow found out about this trail that is little known, seldom traveled, easy walking, so you thought you'd try it out. You planned on an overnighter, 5 or 6 hours in, camp overnight, then 5 or 6 hours return. So you pack 2 days food (maybe 1 extra), tent, sleeping stuff, kitchen stuff, not much else. A whistle and compass if you normally carry these, but you did not take a map. You didn't let anyone know where you are going. You didn't pay much attention to bearings or anything else when you got to the trailhead, you just started hiking. You notice the trail is not well marked. It's nearly dark when you decide to make camp, so you eat and go to bed. Things look different in the morning. You walk a couple hours in what you think is the right direction and don't find any trail markers. You may see side trails you don't remember from yesterday. You haven't heard any traffic noise since you started. Then you realize the reality: You are lost. In unfamiliar territory. What do you do now? How do you get "unlost"?
After a few realistic responses I'll tell what I did several years ago.

[Nalgene Ninja]

I would try to remember the general direction of the nearest major landmark (ie, town, river, highway) and go in that direction.

[Fiddler]

Seems like nobody but flemdawg1 has any idea what they would do. Here's what I did.
Years ago (over 40) I was told of a national forest that started about 30 miles north of Grand Rapids Mich., a nice easy drive from where I lived at the time. A little town on the edge, don't remember the name, was the best place to go for a peaceful easy hike. Trailhead was about 2 miles out of town. So I went. 6-8 miles in is where I camped. Once I got over a mild panic the next day, after the events stated in the original post, I climbed a tree and saw nothing but more trees. I waited there till dark, climbed the tree again, and saw light in the distance. (I don't climb trees anymore at my age). My waterproof matchbox had a penny-size compass in the top. I made a note of the direction of the light, went that direction the next day for about 3 hours, and came out by the small town that was 2 miles from the trailhead. Three things I have always carried in the woods since then are a good compass, a whistle, and an extra day's food.

[Lostsheep]

Good decision making Fiddler. I was kinda in the same boat as flemdawg with his suggestion. I was thinking to head in the direction in which I could either gain elevation or find a road.

It probably would have taken a bit before I thought to climb a tree. But I guess the vantage point is what you needed. And as you mentioned, panic is your worst fear!

[Suz]

I would have never thought of that!  Climbing a tree and looking for the lights.  That is something I'll file incase I ever need it.  I always thought to find the water and follow it.  Sooner or later a bridge crosses it.  Fortunately, I haven't ever had to test it...

[Cuffs]

You should always take a map, and know how to read it...

[Lesley]

I'd follow running water. Eventually it will lead to civilization. Plus there's a permanant food/water source, if you're well versed in edible plants and desperate. My brother calls this an adventure.

merles