Ulster County Nature Bus | Autobús de la Naturaleza del Condado de Ulster
Join Us on the Nature Bus: Your FREE Ticket to Explore Ulster County's Natural Wonders!
The Ulster County Nature Bus returns for the 2025 season, kicking off on Saturday, April 26 for community members to visit and explore the County's natural treasures and destination favorites like Sojourner Truth State Park, Mohonk Preserve, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Black Creek Preserve, Walkway Over the Hudson State Park, and Kingston Point Beach.
The program is entirely free for both transportation and admission to the sites, and all Nature Bus routes include destinations for people of all ages and abilities. The Nature Bus will continue to run with two alternating routes on Saturdays through late September for 2025.
The Nature Bus program was initiated by County Executive Jen Metzger in collaboration with Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) and the Office of Tourism to expand opportunities for our residents — including those without a car or who do not drive — to enjoy the County's pristine natural treasures and outdoor recreational destinations. With an estimated 7.5% of Ulster County households lacking a vehicle, and even higher percentages for renter households (16%), this program helps fill a gap in access while providing all residents with the chance to take a fun and free excursion and connect with nature.
Destinations | Destinos
The program includes two different Nature Bus routes, one in the City of Kingston connecting to Highland (the River Route) and one in New Paltz connecting to the Village of Ellenville (the Ridge Route).
Bathrooms or Porta-Johns are available at all destinations.
Ridge Route
From New Paltz, the Nature Bus picks up riders at the NYS Thruway Park and Ride, New Paltz Gardens, and New Paltz Trailways; from Ellenville, the Nature Bus departs from Liberty Square. Destinations include:
Minnewaska State Park Preserve | Activities include: Hiking and Biking (Bathrooms)
- Mohonk Preserve | Activities include: Hiking and Biking (Bathrooms)
River Route
Begins and ends with pick up/drop off at Kingston Plaza and Garraghan Drive. Destinations along the route include:
Kingston Point Beach | Activities include: Walking, Biking, Swimming, and Playground (Seasonal Bathrooms)
Sojourner Truth State Park | Activities include: Walking, Hiking, and Biking (Seasonal Bathrooms)
Walkway Over the Hudson State Park | Activities include: Walking and Biking (Bathrooms)
Black Creek Preserve | Activities include: Walking and Biking (Bathrooms)
Schedule | Horario
In collaboration with local and state partners, the Nature Bus schedule will offer something for everyone to enjoy while immersing themselves in the natural splendor of Ulster County. After the April 26 launch, the River and Ridge routes will run on a rotating basis on Saturdays through September 27.
For 2025, the Ridge Route will run on 4/26, 5/3, 5/17, 5/31, 6/14, 6/28, 7/12, 7/26, 8/9, 8/23, 9/6, and 9/20.
For 2025, the River Route will run on 4/26, 5/10, 5/24, 6/7, 6/21, 7/5, 7/19, 8/2, 8/16, 8/30, 9/13, and 9/27.
View River Route & Ridge Route Schedules
With the Nature Bus, the wonders of Ulster County are just a ride away, waiting to be explored and enjoyed! Ulster County thanks its many partners for making this program possible, including Scenic Hudson, the City of Kingston, Town of Wawarsing, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Mohonk Preserve, Walkway Over the Hudson State Park, and New York State Parks!
