One of the most picturesque waterfalls in Central Georgia, Hilly Mill Falls is an anomalous 25-foot waterfall with a rich history. Located northeast of Franklin, the waterfall lies on Hilly Mill Creek just above its confluence with the Chattahoochee River, tumbling over a vertical gneiss cliff into a large pool. Throughout the 1800s, Hilly Mill Falls was the site of a grist mill operated by William S. Hilley. Then, in the 1900s, the waterfall became a beloved community gathering spot where locals learned to swim. The nearby Enon Grove Baptist Church even employed it for baptisms. 

Having grown up in the area, country music singer Alan Jackson spent his childhood swimming at the falls "way down yonder on the Chattahoochee." This is the place that inspired Alan's top hit single "Chattahoochee." Being located on private property, Hilly Mill Falls is generally off limits to the public these days. However, because the property is owned by a Chattahoochee Riverkeeper board member, people have occasionally gained permission to see the waterfall while taking guided kayaking trips down the Chattahoochee River.

To learn about more waterfalls in Central Georgia, see chapter 12 in Mark Ozboyd's "Waterfalls of Georgia" guidebook.