The Mongaup River originates at the confluence of the East Mongaup River and the Middle Mongaup River between
Harris and
South Fallsburg. The East Mongaup River arises from Sunset Lake in
Liberty, New York, and the Middle Mongaup arises from a pond near Aiden Road in Liberty. The river officially takes on the name of Mongaup River after it goes under
NY 17 near Harris. Then, the river flows mostly southwest, with an occasional sharp curve, until it joins with the West Branch Mongaup River, where it then makes a sharp turn south, after it passes under
NY 17B in
Mongaup Valley, New York. About 3,100 feet from the bridge (952 meters), the river widens into the Swinging Bridge Reservoir. It continues through the Swinging Bridge Reservoir for , until it reaches the Swinging Bridge Hydroelectric Dam. From there, it continues south as a small stream, until it flows under Forestburgh Road (County Route 43). From there, it once again widens into the Mongaup Falls Reservoir, which continues for . Then, the river once again passes through a hydroelectric dam, and is reduced to a small stream again. After the dam, it travels east for a small segment, and then bends south again. After joining with Black Brook, it then continues further south as the Rio Reservoir, closely followed on the east side by Plank Road. The Rio Reservoir flows south for , until it reaches the Rio Dam, another hydroelectric power station. The river continues south for about , until it performs a turn in the southeast direction, only to then flow on westward for about , and then bend south again, towards the
Delaware River for until it passes under
NY 97 and beside the Mongaup River Trail, and flows into the
Delaware River. ==Hydroelectric power==