From one who has wandered Georgia forests for work and "just exploring" by myself and sometimes with a few friends/ coworkers, engaging the "buddy system" before you enter the forest is a good starting point.
IOW, from my experiences, a little planning helps.
1.) Before you leave your vehicle(s), check for cell phone coverage.
2.) Make sure that at least several water bottles are taken along. Being able to take a quick drink seems to help calm you down if you realize that you have "gotten turned around".
3.) Depending on the size of the group hopefully, someone will have a book bag in which to carry a first aid kit, at least a partial roll of toilet paper, and a small notepad and pencil and/or pen.
4.) Carry along a good stout walking stick, in case you encounter any hostile animals, most notably feral dogs, and feral hogs, in Georgia. Also, if there are likely to be snakes, sporadically "pound" the ground with your stick to create vibrations that give the snakes a warning to "move aside", as most of the time they don't want a confrontation, either.
That being said, I have "gotten lost" a few times (for a few minutes until my instincts kicked in), just some suggestions if you lose your way in a forest, aside from Cherry Dragon's advice:
1.) Don't panic and don't begin wandering with no plan of action.
2.) Start to make note of distinctive trees as landmarks (including fallen trees and partially-fallen trees leaning against other trees) to avoid "looping around" (wandering in circles).
3.) If you are with other people, periodically stop walking and talking and just listen, for any "road or other anthropogenic noise" and/or sounds of moving water.
More to come ...
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