Ulster County Nature Bus Returns for 2025 Season

Ulster County is excited to announce the return of its trailblazing initiative — the Nature Bus — kicking off during Earth Week on Saturday, April 26, and running every Saturday through the end of September. Spearheaded by County Executive Jen Metzger in partnership with Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) and the Department of Tourism, the Nature Bus offers residents and visitors the opportunity to explore the County’s breathtaking natural and recreational attractions, including Sojourner Truth State Park, Mohonk Preserve, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Black Creek Preserve, Walkway Over the Hudson State Park, and Kingston Point Beach — and it's all free of charge.

In addition to stops in Kingston and Ellenville, the Ulster County Nature Bus will expand service to New Paltz, offering a convenient way to enjoy nature and outdoor fun — no car required.

The 2025 Nature Bus routes:

• 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 the Mohonk Preserve Testimonial Gate Trailhead, Mohonk Preserve Visitors Center, and Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
• River Route: The Nature Bus departs from Kingston Plaza, with a stop at Garraghan Drive. Destinations include Sojourner Truth State Park, Kingston Point Beach, Black Creek Preserve, and the Walkway Over the Hudson State Park.

Both routes will run for the Earth Week kick-off on Saturday, April 26. After the Earth Week launch, the River and Ridge routes will run on a rotating basis on Saturdays through late September.

All Nature Bus routes are designed to accommodate individuals of all ages and abilities, with buses equipped with bike racks.