Coastal forests and wetlands have many vital benefits, however, rising sea levels and salinity stress pose a significant threat, particularly on the Delmarva peninsula, where the sea level rise rate is double the global average. This study explores the effects of rising sea levels and salinity stress on coastal forests, with a focus on the adaptability of loblolly pines (Pinus taeda) at two locations on the Delmarva Peninsula. Cores were collected with an increment borer and tree geometry measurements were obtained from loblolly pine trees in both high- and low-elevation forest zones. The average wood density was estimated using dry mass and core volume. Both wood density and tree size were then compared between elevation zones with paired t-tests. Results from the Maryland site indicate that low elevation trees have significantly higher wood density and smaller size, suggesting an adaptive response to salinization. While the low elevation trees were smaller at the Delaware site, the wood density was not significantly different than the high elevation trees. Additionally, GIS-based inundation models were created and projected significant forest loss with several sea-level rise scenarios. Overall, this research contributes to our understanding of coastal forest response to salinity stress.