Susan, ease up a bit. I agree he should have had a PSK and water. Should have "hunkered down" and waited. BUT- I've been in that "park". I've talked with numerous local experienced outdoorspersons who know that "park".
It is a hellish thicket of false trails, misleading roads, with too much folliage (once you're in it) to see more than a few yards ahead at times. We all agree that it is very (VERY) easy to get lost in Shelby Forest. Many of us have.. if only briefly. It is like what they call the "hells" of the Smoky Mountains in E. TN. Just a step or two off a trail or path and you are very easily lost. Land navigation skills rarely help get you through the thorns and thickets.
His problem was underestimating the "get lost potential" of that particular park. Should never have tried to find the river or the road.