A lot of people who are unfamiliar with the Eastern woods, the Applachians in particular, have no idea how thick the woods are. Pretty much everywhere is filled with rhododendron or mountain laurel, and foilage and vegetation otherwise so thick as to be unable to see more than 100 yards. The exception is during the winter when leaves are off the trees. Even then, there is more contour and relief in the geology than the Rocky Mtns. Long distance views are rare.
It is easy to get "turned around" if you venture off a trail. But a lot of the landscape is so think it is difficult to even travel unless there is a trail.
Having been out west, it is relatively easy to use a map and compass, do a small amount of triagulation and figure out where you are. Assuming that is, you have enough understanding to even use a map and compass. My way of thinking is rather than get lost, be constantly aware of where you ARE in the first place.
Having said that, it is bothersome that this person's death would be blamed on stupidity. Ignorance perhaps. Obviously she was woefully unprepared to be in the woods alone and certainly unprepared for an emergency.
Perhaps that is stupid.
Unlike out west, there is precious little landscape in the Applachians that is more than 10 miles from some type of road. Realistically you could shorten that distance to 5 miles. Walk in a relatively straight line and you're going to hit a trail or road in a few miles.
Sounds to me like she just was totally unprepared, ignorant and mentally, just shut down.
