The route serves the hamlet of West Leyden at its western terminus and the community of Redmond Center in the Oneida County town of Ava.

Leaving a small strip of businesses and residences along NY 26, the road heads east into a mostly rural area.

After exiting the reforestation area, NY 294 heads across expansive farmlands before reaching a junction with County Route 67 (East Ava Road), which intersects from the south.

NY 294 passes several residences on its way into the village of Boonville, located about 5.5 miles (8.9 km) from the route's western terminus, where the highway becomes Ford Street.

The plan fell through when the legislature ultimately adopted another version of the state highway map that did not include the West Leyden–Boonville road.