In downtown Hancock, NY 97 intersects with the southern terminus of NY 268 (East Front Street). NY 97 takes a two block turn to the west before intersecting with Reed Street, where it heads one block north. NY 97 then turns west onto West Main Street, proceeding as a two-lane residential street. NY 97 intersects with Pennsylvania Avenue, which connects NY 97 to the Delaware River and a bridge crossing to PA 191. After leaving the village, NY 97 becomes a two-lane commercial street, intersecting with Sands Creek Road. There, NY 97 turns northward and enters exit 87 of New York State Route 17 (Future I-86) (the Quickway). The northern ramps of the interchange serve as the northern terminus of NY 97 while Sands Creek Road continues north as CR 67 to NY 10 at the Cannonsville Reservoir.