How Do Common Pathfinding Algorithms Compare To Human Process
Humans tend to choose not strictly optimal, but close to shortest solutions. So you'll need to look at fuzzy (approximate) algorithms, not at A*.

The closest algorithm to human thinking I've aware of is a Contaction hierarchies on par with a Reach pruning algorithm. When I need to find a path between A and B on the map, I do a quick overview, taking into account if there is crossing river or something else and looking for some general ways and then adding details that could shorten path.