One of the most popular railfanning hotspots in northern Ohio is located in the city of Berea.  The city is home to Baldwin Wallace College and the Cleveland Browns training complex. The Norfolk Southern Chicago Line and the CSX Cleveland Short Line run side by side for a stretch parallel to Depot Street in Berea.  Train traffic is plentiful, and the regulars who frequent the Depot Street venue are generally quite friendly and helpful. Depot Street is a safe, clean, easy access location, close to everything from fast food restaurants to motel rooms.  The long, grassy stretch of city owned land that is trackside to the CSX Short Line is ideal for railfanning.  Parking is allowed in the lot at the west end of the (closed) Station Restaurant, at least for the time being. The nearly completed Front Street bridge has pedestrian sidewalks and eventually will offer a nice elevated view of both the NS and CSX tracks. A Google Map of the Berea area is available here. My portfolio of over 1,000 railfanning photographs can be seen at Railpictures.net The CSX Greenwich Sub and the Norfolk Southern Chicago Line both pass through the quiet town of Olmsted Falls, located just west of Berea. There are several grade crossings in Olmsted Falls (and surrounding communities) that can be railfanned, however the best and safest spot for up closeviews of the  Norfolk Southern in action is at the site of the (ex New York Central) Olmsted Falls Train Depot. Built in 1877, this depot now houses a model railroad club and the building has been included in the National Register of Historic Places.   Serious railfans are welcome to respectfully pursue their hobby from the Depot grounds. Of course, during club functions it is best to avoid this location, or to railfan from the grassy strip on the north side of the tracks across from the depot property.   Also, an excellent view of the NS tracks is available at the grade crossing on Columbia Road (route 252) just a couple blocks east of the Depot in downtown Olmsted Falls.  There are a number of quaint shops in the Pacific Junction complex and a couple restaurants in town where you can take a break from the action. A bit farther south is a grade crossing where the CSX Greenwich Sub crosses Columbia Road. View a Google Map of the Olmsted Falls area here AROUND BEREA Click thumbnail to enlarge