Need a break from the chaos of everyday life? A visit to Ulster County can be your respite. With abundant natural beauty, quiet retreats, and a cozy, intimate feel, the region is an ideal place to disconnect, unwind, and de-stress. Whether you’re looking for a vacation destination that can accommodate sensory sensitivities, need to focus on your mental health with a meditative retreat, or simply want to step away from the constant thrum of city traffic, phone notifications, and other intrusions, Ulster County offers an abundance of activities to ease your mind and soothe your senses.
Experience the Outdoors With Sensory-Friendly Activities
Time in nature can be calming, especially for those with sensory issues or who are looking for activities that support mental health. Gain a full sensory experience at one of Ulster County’s many campsites, nature preserves, or hiking trails.
Hiking activities give individuals an opportunity to get some fresh air and exercise, both of which can help regulate the nervous system. Across Ulster County, you’ll find numerous trails to accommodate a variety of abilities. For example, the J & S Grafton Sensory Trail at Mohonk Preserve is an easy 1/4-mile level loop that includes a butterfly garden and interpretive stations along the way that encourage hikers to touch, look, and listen to nature. At the Nyquist-Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary, you’ll find a peaceful place for hiking that’s open year-round. Bikes and horses are not allowed in the wildlife sanctuary, which helps reduce the level of noise and stimuli for people with sensory issues. Connect with nature and hike around the Esopus Bend Nature Preserve, where you can engage in bird and animal watching. The accessible Catskill Forest Preserve within Catskill Park offers over 300,000 acres of forest with numerous trails.
Skiing and snowboarding can be a fantastic way to experience scenic mountain vistas, but the physical challenges can be daunting to some. In an effort to bring the fun of snowsports to all, Belleayre Mountain offers adaptive skiing lessons for adults and children with cognitive, physical, or emotional disabilities. The staff matches students with an expert instructor whose goal is to empower each individual to reach their highest potential, even if they’ve never set foot on a ski. Lessons cover everything from equipment handling to skiing techniques.
At the annual Get Outdoors & Get Together event hosted by the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, people come together for fun in nature across the state. Ulster County has its own celebrations at the Kenneth L. Wilson Campground and Catskills Visitor Center, and numerous adaptive and accessible activities will be part of the event.
Accessible Spaces For All to Watch, Learn, and Discover
At NCG Cinema, experience the magic of the movies in a more sensory-friendly environment. During the show, house lights remain on and the volume is kept at a lower level than at traditional showings. There are no previews, so the movie starts right on time, reducing unexpected delays or confusion. The sensory-friendly showings are a safe space for people of all abilities, a judgment-free zone where viewers are allowed — and even encouraged — to express themselves by dancing, singing, or walking around during the show.
Astronomy nights at the John R. Kirk Planetarium are a celestial sensory experience with both a planetarium showing and a telescope viewing (weather permitting) at the Smolen Observatory. The planetarium is wheelchair accessible and can be reserved for private groups like family trips.
Museums and libraries can be a good fit for travelers looking for a quiet, calming activity. Wander the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art at SUNY New Paltz at your own pace and experience all the art on display. The Hudson River Maritime Museum is great for indoor exploration, too.
Classes at the Cornell Cooperative Arts and Business Center are available for people of all abilities. Spend a few hours at a drop-in art class and let your creativity blossom in the center’s collaborative, inclusive environment.
The “Sensory Safe Space” at the Ulster County Fair serves families who have children with autism or individuals who have sensory sensitivities. It offers a break from the bright lights, noise, and crowds associated typically common at state fairs. Inside, there are bubble tubes, mats, seating, touch and feel books, noise-canceling headphones and charging stations for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices.
De-Stress and Prioritize Your Mental Health at Ulster County Spas and Wellness Centers
Whether you have sensory sensitivities or simply want a break from overstimulation, spas and wellness centers can help you regulate your body and de-stress — and Ulster County has them in abundance.
Schedule an appointment at Woodstock Healing Arts for massage therapy, acupuncture, zero balancing or even a psychotherapy session. The location has a language pathologist on staff who specializes in learning disabilities, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder.
One Body Spa is a holistic day spa in Accord and offers a traditional spa experience with therapeutic massages, aromatherapy, reflexology, hot stone therapy, facials, and more.
Have you ever heard of a float spa? It’s a therapeutic experience that removes external stimuli so you can experience the utmost calm and relaxation. Ulster County has two float spas: Zephyr Float in Kingston and Mountain Float Spa in New Paltz.
Mental Health Resources in Ulster County
Should you need mental health support during your visit to Ulster County, there are numerous resources to choose from to ensure that you and your loved ones have all you need. The Mental Health Association in Ulster County nonprofit can also connect you to resources in the area. Wellness Recovery, which is maintained by the Mental Health Association in Ulster County, offers quick links to essential resources for physical and mental health.
Ulster County welcomes people of all abilities to enjoy the area’s beauty. With inclusive activities for people with physical and developmental disabilities, the destination is a great option for people with disabilities. Explore more accessible travel resources and plan your trip today.
