Some of the issue may be in those heavier wheels. I know I don't have the beans to spin those bigger, heavier wheels up a hill. I am just 5'1.5", with short legs and don't have the torque. Physically they can make bikes with wildly sloping top tubes and 29" wheels that I can 'fit' but I really don't fit. And there is one thing I don't get on the 29ers. We know the gear ratios are higher because of the wheels, so the back can go as low as 36 now but Shimano and SRAM raised the lowest gear in front from 22 to 24 so you lost some of what you gained. I would want that 22 in front, coupled with the 36 in back, if I was spinning those big wheels. Heck, I would be walking up those hills too with the gear choices they are giving us.
Yes 29ers overall don't 'flick' as easily as a 26" bike but you should be able to steer. But it will not feel like a 26" bike in the handling/steering department and it will take time to get used to it. So I would start on an easy trail as if I was just starting MTBing, till I got used to the 29er.
Tzvia- rollin' slow...
Specialized Ruby Expert/mens Bontrager Inform RXL
Specialized SWorks Safire/mens Bontrager Inform RL
Giant Anthem-W XT-XTR/mens Bontrager Inform RXL
Fuji Newest 3 commuter/mens Bontrager Inform RL
Novara E.T.A commuter/mens Bontrager Inform RL