Ditto taM's suggestion...I hiked that loop last summer and it was fantastic.

As far as gear goes, plan for heat and relatively high humidity with regards to clothing, etc. It's so warm, even at night, that during the peak summer months I haven't been taking a sleeping bag, just a liner. Be sure you have some quality raingear...there was at least a mild shower every day I was out. Probably not the place to take your poncho/tarp shelter as your primary shelter, as I did