Does an America the Beautiful pass cover Shenandoah?

Direct answer

Yes. The pass covers the entrance fee and does not cover reservations, timed entry, or permits.

Coverage, kept separate

Accepted: Yes
Entrance fee: Covered
Reservations and permits: Not covered

A pass covers the entrance fee only. It does NOT cover the Old Rag day-use ticket - NPS states explicitly that even holders of free Access or Military/Gold Star lifetime passes must still reserve an Old Rag ticket, and that no fee waivers of any kind are offered for it.

Official source

National Park Service · reviewed August 27, 2026

I'm entering with a free lifetime pass. Do I still need to reserve an Old Rag day-use ticket? Yes. Even if you are entering the Park with a free Access Pass or a Military Veterans and Gold Star Family Access Pass, you will still need to reserve an Old Rag day-use ticket.

Official pass policy