Nature Bus
Ulster County Nature Bus
The Ulster County Nature Bus: Your FREE Ticket to Explore Ulster County's Natural Wonders!
The Ulster County Nature Bus is a new program that kicked off on Saturday, April 27, 2024 for community members to visit and explore* the County's natural treasures and destination favorites like Sam’s Point, Ashokan Rail Trail, Walkway Over the Hudson, Minnewaska, and the Catskills Visitor Center, to name a few. 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 three alternating routes on Saturdays through mid-October for 2024.
The 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 7.2% 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.
*Help plan your adventures in Ulster County with our REConnect interactive mapping tool!
Destinations
The program includes three different Nature Bus routes, two originating in the City of Kingston (the River Route and Mountain Route) and one originating in the Village of Ellenville (the Ridge Route). Bathrooms or Porta Johns are available at all destinations.
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)
Shaupeneak Ridge| 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)
Esopus Meadows Preserve | Activities include: Walking and Hiking (Seasonal Bathrooms)
Dates: For 2024, River Route will run on 4/27, 5/4, 5/25, 6/15, 7/6, 7/27, 8/17, 9/7, 9/28, and 10/5.
Special Events and Programming:
- Saturday, May 4 - I Love My Park Day at Walkway Over the Hudson (10 AM-12:30 PM)
- Saturday, May 25 - Mayfest and Makers Market at Walkway Over the Hudson (12 PM - 5 PM)
Ridge Route: Begins and ends with pick up/drop off at Liberty Square in Ellenville. Destinations include:
Sam’s Point Preserve | Activities include: Hiking (Bathrooms)
Lippman Park | Activities include: Walking and Biking (Bathrooms)
Minnewaska State Park Preserve | Activities include: Hiking and Biking (Bathrooms)
Dates: For 2024, the Ridge Route will run on 4/27, 5/11, 6/1, 6/22, 7/13, 8/3, 8/24, and 9/14.
Special Events and Programming:
- Saturday, May 11 - Big Day Bird Counting Event at Minnewaska State Park Preserve (8:30 AM -11:30 AM)
Mountain Route: Begins and ends with pick up/drop off at Kingston Plaza and Garraghan Drive. Destinations along the route include:
Points on the Ashokan Rail Trail | Activities include: Walking and Biking (Bathrooms)
Catskills Visitor Center in Mt Tremper | Activities include: Walking and Fire Tower Climb (Bathrooms)
Dates: For 2024, the Mountain Route will run on 4/27, 5/18, 6/8, 6/29, 7/20, 8/10, 8/31, 9/21, and 10/12.
Special Events and Programming:
- Saturday, May 18 - Invasive Species Work Day at Catskill Center (9 AM - 1 PM)
- Saturday, June 8 - Great Outdoor Expo at Catskill Center (10 AM - 4 PM)
Schedule
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 27 launch, the River, Ridge, and Mountain routes will run on a rotating basis on Saturdays through October 12.
River Route Schedule | Ridge Route Schedule | Mountain Route Schedule
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 Catskill Center, City of Kingston, Town of Wawarsing, and New York State Parks!