Please help - Have 4 hours to hike, in VA for business. Rockfish Gap south to where?, or Rockfish Gap north to where? That is, which is most interesting? Also, I didn't have time to pick up a map - should I stop in Waynesboro and pick one up at the outfitter, or go it without. I'm usually a map person, so leaning towards getting one first, but it will take up some of my time. I'm not usually this unprepared, just an unexpected trip and hate to pass up the chance to hike at least some of the Trail in VA. Thanks for any advice.

I'd assume you have a car and time to drive at least a bit down the Blue Ridge Parkway (south). I take the limited time to explore around Humpback Rocks, which were bypassed from the AT about 6 years ago. Another choice would be to drive a bit further south and find the Tye River and walk up a bit to the Mau Har Trail and the waterfalls.

From Rockfish Gap, the AT heads south for 4.9 miles to the Paul C. Wolfe Memorial Shelter. This is a very easy, pleasant "walk in the woods" that you should be able to accomplish without a pack in 4 hours roundtrip. No views to speak of, but easy.

As orangebug mentions, you could drive south on the Parkway to Humpback Rocks if it's a nice day. A little further south and you can find a short walk to Cedar Cliffs with some nice views (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/browseimages.php?do=searchresults&searchid=4485).

If you get to the Tye River, you might just be able to make the 4.8 mile ascent of The Priest, catch a view (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/showimage.php?i=458&catid=searchresults&searchid=4486) from the top of Pinnacle Ridge and Three Ridges, and scoot back down in 4 hours. It's quite an ascent, but heavily switchbacked and you might be able to do it if you're in good shape and it's not too hot. Bring water.

If you only have 4 hours, chances are you want to spend as much as possible hiking and as little possible driving. So I'd go either with Kerosene's first suggestion - hike to the Wolfe Shelter - or hike north from Rockfish and then turn back. Not as spectacular as the Priest or Tye River but you're maximizing time on the Trail.

I haven't hiked immediately north of Rockfish in many years but I recall some open areas where you should have nice views.

If you only have 4 hours, chances are you want to spend as much as possible hiking and as little possible driving. So I'd go either with Kerosene's first suggestion - hike to the Wolfe Shelter - or hike north from Rockfish and then turn back. Not as spectacular as the Priest or Tye River but you're maximizing time on the Trail.

I haven't hiked immediately north of Rockfish in many years but I recall some open areas where you should have nice views.

That's the southern part of SNP and past McCormick gap (which is in the woods) you come out on the balds near Beagle Gap and some views except there are towers. Not sure if you can do that and back in four hours. You could park at McCormick Gap and walk up to it, but you'll pay the park fee.

I'd go up Humpback Rock personally, on the BRP. You can drive there, climb the rock, hang out, and then see the little visitor center with the tour of an old homestead (either coming or going).

With just 4 hrs to hike and I take it would be an out and back from one car, then we're talking about 4 miles of hiking before it's time to head back. Humpback might be the thing to do. If I'm not mistaken, you can get in a loop hike around Humpback using the old and new AT.
You can get to the Preast from the parkway. The best view is from the shoulder about 1/2 mile or so from the top. But it might be 30 minutes of driving time to get to that parking lot from Rockbridge, but, if your coming north up 81 you can get off at Vesuvius and get on the parkway from there which might save some time.