Ulster County’s Nature Bus Rolls Again, Expanding Access to Outdoor Adventure | Outdoors | Hudson Valley

Ulster County’s popular Nature Bus is back for the 2025 season, offering free Saturday rides to some of the region’s most spectacular outdoor destinations. Launched during Earth Week on April 26, the service runs through September, connecting communities in Kingston, Ellenville, and, for the first time, New Paltz to scenic locations including Minnewaska State Park, Mohonk Preserve, and Sojourner Truth State Park.

“The Nature Bus offers a fun, convenient, and affordable way for our residents to visit and explore Ulster County’s magnificent parks and nature preserves,” said County Executive Jen Metzger. “We want everyone to be able to enjoy them—whether for strolling, swimming, hiking, biking, picnicking, birding, or just spending time with friends and family.”

With roughly 7.5 percent of county residents lacking access to a car—higher in some urban areas—the Nature Bus aims to bridge the mobility gap. Spearheaded by Metzger in partnership with Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) and the Department of Tourism, the initiative is rooted in equity, accessibility, and sustainability.

This year, the bus service features two rotating routes:

The Ridge Route picks up in New Paltz and Ellenville and drops riders at Mohonk Preserve’s Testimonial Gate Trailhead, its Visitor Center, and Minnewaska State Park.

The River Route departs Kingston, making stops at Sojourner Truth State Park, Kingston Point Beach, Black Creek Preserve, and the Walkway Over the Hudson.

“We’re thrilled to offer the Nature Bus as an accessible way for residents and visitors to experience the natural beauty of Ulster County,” says Toni Roser, Director of UCAT. “This free Saturday service makes it easy for everyone to explore scenic outdoor destinations, whether on foot or by bike — and with bicycle racks on board, riders can enjoy the journey and the destination.”

New Paltz joins the map in 2025, with pickups at the Thruway Park and Ride, New Paltz Gardens, and Trailways station. “We continue to improve this program, and we look forward to being able to provide access for all users,” says Joshua Laird, executive director of the Palisades Interstate Park Commission. “It is an excellent free program that has been needed in the region.”

Mohonk Preserve, a designated Leave No Trace Gold Standard Site, also sees the initiative as a sustainability win. “We’re excited to collaborate with Ulster County to provide expanded, sustainable access to nature,” says Andrew Bajardi, Director of Visitor Experience.

“The Nature Bus is a meaningful way for people without their own cars to experience the beauty of Ulster County’s outdoor attractions,” adds Seth McKee, executive director of Scenic Hudson Land Trust. “Each of these parks offers unique experiences—and getting to them on the Nature Bus is one more way to connect people to nature.”