Ulster County’s free Nature Bus service will return Saturday for its third season, offering residents and visitors complimentary transportation and park access to some of the region’s most popular outdoor destinations through the end of September.
The program, launched by Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger in partnership with Ulster County Area Transit and the county’s Department of Tourism, provides free rides to parks, preserves and recreational areas across the county, eliminating transportation barriers for people who want to explore the outdoors.
This year’s service includes stops at Mohonk Preserve, Minnewaska State Park Preserve, Sojourner Truth State Park, Black Creek Preserve, Walkway Over the Hudson State Park and Kingston Point Beach.
County officials said the program is designed to make outdoor recreation more accessible to residents and visitors who do not have access to a vehicle.
“We’re excited to announce that the Nature Bus kicks off this weekend, providing an easy and free way for our residents to enjoy the County’s stunning parks and preserves,” Metzger said in a statement. “It’s a great way to take time for yourself or with friends and family, hiking, biking, swimming, or just connecting with nature.”
A major addition this season will be public access to Lake Sophia at Sojourner Truth State Park, which is expected to open June 27 after construction is completed. The swimming area will be the first new public swim facility built in a New York state park in two decades.
According to county officials, Lake Sophia will accommodate up to 480 swimmers and feature a shallow swim area connected to a 20-foot-deep swimming section, along with a beach that provides direct access to the park’s trail network. Nature Bus riders will be able to access the facility free of charge.
The Nature Bus will operate on two routes.
The Ridge Route serves New Paltz and Ellenville, with pickup locations at the New York State Thruway Park and Ride, New Paltz Gardens, New Paltz Trailways and Liberty Square in Ellenville. Destinations include the Mohonk Preserve Testimonial Gate Trailhead, the Mohonk Preserve Visitors Center and Minnewaska State Park Preserve.
The River Route departs from Kingston Plaza and includes a stop at Garraghan Drive. Riders can travel to Sojourner Truth State Park, Kingston Point Beach, Black Creek Preserve and Walkway Over the Hudson State Park.
Both routes will operate on Saturday for the season launch. Afterward, the River and Ridge routes will alternate Saturdays through late September.
Lisa Berger, Ulster County’s director of tourism, said the service helps ensure broad access to the county’s natural attractions.
“Our parks and preserves are a cornerstone of Ulster County’s identity, and the Nature Bus ensures everyone has the chance to experience them,” Berger said. “This year is especially exciting with the opening of Lake Sophia at Sojourner Truth State Park.”
Ulster County Area Transit Director Toni Roser said the program continues to expand opportunities for residents to enjoy outdoor recreation while reducing transportation challenges.
“With free rides, bike racks on board, and easy connections to parks, trails, beaches, and now the new swim area at Sojourner Truth State Park, it’s never been easier to get out and explore Ulster County,” Roser said.
All buses are accessible and equipped with bicycle racks. Detailed schedules, route information and updates are available through the county’s Nature Bus program website.
For the season kickoff, both routes will operate Saturday, June 6, before transitioning to an alternating schedule through September.