Someone who keeps their head and has some knowledge of the mountains can generally walk out of any area here within 24 hours. The creeks are like roads. Follow them downstream and you'll hit a trail or road someplace along the way likely that day. But if you're not certain stay put. Also if you're staying put stay far enough away from streams so you can hear. I can take you into an area where you could walk in circles for days though. It's an area called Catossa. No pattern to the ridges whatsoever.
"Follow them downstream and you'll hit a trail or road someplace along the way likely that day."
Just be mindful of the waterfalls.
Absolutely, especially in our steep terrain. But for a kid or someone not familiar with the back country, the best advice is stay put.