The route begins at the intersection of NY 44/55 and NY 208 in Ireland Corners, NY. Why there? You may ask. A couple of reasons. First its near the point where the aqueducts for the Catskill and the Delaware water systems cross. Next, the far end of the route is a little ways upstate, so I wanted to give you the option of getting part way up in a hurry. If you'd like to take your time getting up to the starting point, follow April's route until you get to the intersection where the route starts (mile 38.2) Otherwise you can take the NY Thruway up to NY 299, the New Paltz exit. Follow NY299 West to NY208 South. Go South on NY208 until you reach NY44/55 and turn Right (West). Either route you'll be on your way.
I tried to follow the path of the various aqueducts that connect the reservoirs together. It wasn't easy. First because this system is newer, the aqueducts were built deeper underground. In most places I just couldn't find them. The other problem is that there weren't always roads that ran along with them. The end result is that I did my best to find interesting roads that connect the reservoirs together and approximate the paths of the aqueducts. The other thing to remember is that this route spends quite a bit of time away from civilization. Don't pass by an opportunity to fill your gas tank, there aren't that many chances.
The first reservoir you'll find after crossing over the Shawangunk mountains on Route 55 is the Rondout. Next after an interesting little detour, you'll swing around and over the dam at the Neversink. Then you'll work your way through the backroads of Sullivan County to NY Route 30 and the Pepacton Reservoir. Last its on to NY 10 and the Cannonsville Reservoir. Once you've made it to Cannonsville, you have a choice to make. You are about 200 miles from the City. If you're in a hurry, you can pick up NY 17 and take the 'Quickway' home. Otherwise consider going south on NY17 just a few exits to pick up NY 97 South. NY97 runs along the Delaware River to Port Jervis. Its a very enjoyable ride if you have the time. Remember, bring a map. There's always the possibility you'll miss a turn or want to go home early or just want to keep riding. If you've go a decent map with you, there's a chance that you'll be able to see where you are and decide where you want to go.
Delaware Watershed Mileage Total Leg 0.0 0.0 WEST On NY 44/55 from NY208 16.4 16.4 LEFT US209 South - NY 55 West Continued 20.8 4.4 RIGHT NY 55 West 26.2 5.4 BEAR LEFT NY 55 West continued 34.8 8.6 LEFT NY 42 South - BLINKER 34.9 0.1 BEAR RIGHT Big Hollow A Road 35.7 0.8 BEAR RIGHT YIELD 37.8 2.1 BEAR RIGHT STOP - Thunder Hill Rd. 39.1 1.3 RIGHT Thunder Hill Road - Continued 42.3 3.2 LEFT NY 55 West - STOP - T 47.5 5.2 RIGHT Aden Road 47.9 0.4 BEAR RIGHT Y 50.2 2.3 RIGHT Cross the Bridge - Aden Hill Rd. 52.4 2.2 BEAR RIGHT Y - Aden Hill Rd. Cont. 53.4 1.0 RIGHT STOP 55.8 2.4 LEFT STOP - TO: Willowemoc 55.9 0.1 LEFT STOP 56.0 0.1 RIGHT Brown Settlement Road 57.7 1.7 LEFT Brown Settlement Road Cont. 59.5 1.8 RIGHT STOP - Sullivan County 82 63.2 3.7 STRAIGHT Join SC 81 65.6 2.4 RIGHT STOP - T - "Old 17" SC 179 (Gas and food are to the left) 67.0 1.4 RIGHT SC 151 - TO: Covered Bridge 71.3 4.3 STRAIGHT Join SC 152 - (Check out the covered bridge back and to the left) 75.2 3.9 STRAIGHT Join Ulster Co. 54 77.9 2.7 LEFT TO: Route 30 - Little Pond Rec. Area (This road is a bit rough) 84.2 6.3 STRAIGHT TO NY 30 South 86.1 1.9 LEFT STOP - T - NY 30 South 101.0 14.9 STRAIGHT LIGHT - NY 206 West 110.9 9.9 RIGHT BLINKER - NY 206 West Cont. 111.1 0.2 LEFT LIGHT - NY 10 South 111.6 0.5 LEFT BLINKER - NY 10 South Cont. 136.2 24.6 LEFT BLINKER - NY 10 South Cont. 138.7 2.5 END Intersection with NY 17 South