Also, if you get lost on a trail while going uphill, a good plan would be to stop, turn around, and begin walking downhill rather than forging on uphill.
There is a lot of "DOH!" in this story. Your point is one.
Another is that they drank from creeks. Water runs down hill to bigger water. If you are lost, follow the water out.
In Stone Mountain Park, that leads to Middle Prong of Roaring River. Its right along the road.
[I'm still trying to imagine what waterfall they went to look at.]
"Also, if you get lost on a trail while going uphill, a good plan would be to stop, turn around, and begin walking downhill rather than forging on uphill."
That would take a measure of common sense which is beyond this couples ability.